The Divisional Police Officer of Okokomaiko, SP Emmanuel Edebagha, has been asked to leave his position immediately by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa.
Edebagha was fired on Saturday, according to Benjamin Hundeyin, the state police public relations officer, for failing to keep an eye on his men who were allegedly involved in extorting N100,000 from a dealer at the Alaba International Market.
On his verified Twitter account, Hundeyin revealed that the CP has also mandated the start of disciplinary proceedings against the DPO and the accused officers.
He added that the officers involved were already at the state headquarters.
Hundeyin wrote, “CP Idowu Owohunwa has ordered the immediate removal of DPO Okokomaiko, SP Emmanuel Edebagha, for his lack of supervision of his men. CP Owohunwa has also ordered commencement of disciplinary action against him and all his indicted officers.”
The trader who was extorted was said to be a phone dealer identified as Onyinyechi Anwusi. According to reports, he was extorted for the sum of N100,000 after the police officers stopped him for a search and found no incriminating evidence on him.
He alleged that the officers asked him to unlock his mobile phone, and they searched through the contents, and thereafter forced him to write a statement under duress indicting himself as an internet fraudster before he was asked to pay the sum of N100,000.
However, Hundeyin in a phone conversation, said after investigations were carried out and depending on the findings, the DPO and the indicted officers would be punished according to the severity of their offences.
He added, “It could be dismissal, reduction in rank or suspension, but that solely depends on the findings from the disciplinary action, which is like a court. They could also be exonerated if it is proven that they aren’t guilty of anything.”