Police Reacts To Online Video Accusing Officers Of Extortion

 

By

Awajis George

The Rivers State Police Command, in response to a widely circulated social media video by one Israel Joe, aims to clarify the situation concerning the arrest of Mr. Davidson John on September 14, 2023, by the Cybercrime Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Command.

In a statement by the Command's Public Relations Officer SP Grace Iringe-koko, the initial grounds for Mr. John's arrest was rooted in allegations of involvement in cybercrime and ritualistic activities.

 Subsequent to a comprehensive search of his residence at No. 6 Peace Avenue, Ogbelu, Rivers State, Police Operatives discovered substantial sums of money in both domestic and foreign currencies concealed in his premises, notably atop the ceiling. 

According to the police image maker,Mr. John's inability to provide a satisfactory account for the origin of the money led to his transfer to the SCID for further investigation.

 However, it came to light that the suspect had a urinary catheter in his stomach, necessitating a medical assessment. Upon consultation with a medical professional, it was determined that his health condition could not endure excessive stress, prompting a decision to release him into the custody of a reliable surety while investigations continued.

According to the statement,Mr. John's father acted as his surety and requested financial assistance for his son's medical needs, which the Deputy Commissioner of Police granted a partial release of funds on compassionate grounds for the suspect's healthcare, while the remaining amount was meticulously documented and entrusted to the exhibit keeper. 

Additionally, a gold necklace, reportedly obtained from an undisclosed woman, was also registered with the exhibit keeper.

SP Iringe-koko emphatically reaffirmed that the entirety of the money is securely registered and under the custody of the exhibit keeper, thus refuting any insinuations to the contrary made by the suspect, as it is vital to get proper understanding of the reason behind concealing such huge amount of money in cash in his house, as well as not being able to give full account of the monies.

The spokesperson urged the public to dismiss the misinformation presented by Israel Joe, recognizing it as a distortion of facts. 

Saying that it is important to emphasize that the investigation is ongoing, and the Command intends to provide a comprehensive update to the public regarding its outcome in due course.