•CP Abiodun Alamutu
The Ogun State Police has arrested officers caught in a viral video assaulting and extorting a 24-year-old lady, Soyemi Funmilola, at a checkpoint in Ijagun Junction, near Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode.
It was learnt that the victim had, on January 23, 2024, reported a case of assault and extortion to the police, which led to an investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), reports The Guardian.
Consequently, the officers involved faced an orderly room trial and were issued an official query, as directed by the Commissioner of Police, with the provost department overseeing disciplinary proceedings.
Confirming the development yesterday, spokesperson for the command, Omolola Odutola, said investigation was able to confirm the officers’ misconduct, including tracing of the account number into which proceeds of the extortion were deposited.
She said the money has been recovered and marked as an exhibit. Odutola said the command has made it clear that it will not tolerate any form of misconduct that breaches the ethical standards expected of police officers.
According to her, the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, has emphasised the importance of respecting fundamental human rights of citizens at different seminars conducted for officers and men of the command and will sanction any officer that infringes on the rights of members of the public.
She pointed out that family members of the complainant have been contacted and are in talks with the commissioner, who assured that the officers will be held responsible for their failure to act in accordance with rules and regulations of the force.
Odutola added that the command is committed to ensuring the safety and security of residents and their properties. She reiterated the command’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and maintaining a transparent, respectful relationship as exemplified in the Police Rules and Regulations.
“The Inspector, Rank and File have been detained for orderly room trial, and the officers involved have been issued an official query. The outcome of the orderly room proceedings will be made public as soon as investigation is concluded,” she added.
