OWERRI, Nigeria — The Imo State Police Command has arrested and detained a police traffic warden alongside two personnel of the Imo State Civil Guard Corps following a viral video showing the trio allegedly harassing and extorting a motorist.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Okoye Henry, the command identified the arrested police officer as Inspector Chinwe Ejiogu, attached to the Shell Camp Divisional Police Headquarters. The two civil guard personnel were identified as Kelechi Nzediagwu and Onyedikachi Chibuike.
According to police authorities, the incident occurred in Owerri on Thursday, October 8, when the motorist was stopped under the pretext of driving without a valid driver's license. Video footage circulating across social media captured the personnel physically struggling with the driver over the vehicle's steering wheel while attempting to extort money from him.
Following public outrage online, Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP AuduGarbaBosso, ordered the immediate arrest of the three officers. All three suspects have been remanded at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) as formal investigations commence.
Official Statement:"The command strongly condemns the conduct depicted in the video, describing it as unacceptable and contrary to the standards of discipline and integrity expected of law enforcement personnel," stated DSP Okoye Henry. "No traffic violation justifies extortion, harassment, or abuse of office."
The command's Complaint Response Unit (CRU) has been directed to thoroughly investigate the incident, and police authorities have urged the affected motorist to step forward to assist with the investigation. Officials reiterated that appropriate disciplinary action will be enforced upon the conclusion of the probe.
Civil society organizations in Imo State have commended the rapid response by police leadership, emphasizing that decisive action against rogue personnel is critical for restoring public trust in local law enforcement. Community leaders also called for increased oversight and routine monitoring along major transport corridors in Owerri to prevent similar incidents of extortion and harassment in the future.
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