Police dismiss officer caught on camera justifying extortion

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed Richard Gele, the police inspector caught in a viral video justifying extortion of members of the public and official corruption.

The video has been trending since Monday, July 25.

A statement on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Muyiwa Adejobi, said Gele was dismissed after being subjected to police internal disciplinary mechanism and found wanting of the charges levelled against him.

• Nasarawa: Police probe officer who ‘impregnated’ teenage niece
• I still have hope in Nigeria – Femi Kuti

The inspector, with AP/No. 188547, until his dismissal, was attached to Police Mobile Force 77 Squadron, Okene, Kogi State and deployed to the Itobe–Anyigba Road for safety of road users.

The statement reads in part, “His dismissal came after subjection to internal disciplinary mechanism and being found wanting of the charges levelled against him in line with extant laws governing the conduct of police personnel.

“He therefore ceases to be a member of the Nigeria Police Force with immediate effect. The officer has been de-kitted and handed over to the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State, for further necessary action.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+), NPM, fdc, while expressing the staunch commitment of his administration at bequeathing policing standards in tandem with international best practices to the nation, warned all personnel to eschew extortion, unprofessionalism, official corruption and other inappropriate acts. The IGP urged them to display exemplary courage and patriotism in the discharge of their duties.”