Rivers Police kicks as Rights activist accuses officers attached to Rivers Command SCID of extorting N80m from contractor

Claims made by Isreal Joe, a Human Rights Advocate based in Delta State, over an alleged extortion of over N80 million and a gold necklace from Mr. Atubi Davison, by an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olayinka, attached to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Port Harcourt, and two other officers simply identified as Emmanuel and Uche, have been refuted by the Rivers State Police Command.

A statement signed by its spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, explained that the initial grounds for Davison’s arrest were rooted in allegations of involvement in cybercrime and ritualistic activities.

The statement sighted by Africa Update reads: 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) Rivers State Police Command.

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.

Mr. John’s inability to provide a satisfactory account for the origin of this 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.

Mr. John’s father acted as his surety and requested financial assistance for his son’s medical needs. 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.

The Rivers State Police Command emphatically reaffirms 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 Command urges the public to dismiss the misinformation presented by Israel Joe, recognizing it as a distortion of facts. 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.

Recall that Isreal Joe had petitioned the acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, over an alleged extortion of the sum of N80 million and a gold necklace worth N4 million from one Mr. Atubi Davison by officers attached to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Port Harcourt.

In the petition dated September 21, which was duly stamped by the office of the IGP, Joe alleged that operatives of the Rivers State Police Command had on September 14, this year, busted the home of Davison at Peace Avenue Road, Egbelu, in Obio/Akpor Local Council of the state, searched the house and saw N100 million.

According to the petitioner, the money, mostly in dollars, was meant for payment of men securing pipeline facilities in the Niger Delta, as Davison is the chairman of one of the units securing pipeline facilities.

The rights activist said the police took away the money, two cars and a gold chain valued at N4 million, adding that they arrested four persons in Davison’s house including a lady.

He further claimed that despite investigation showing that the money was meant for payment for securing an oil facility, the police held on to it.

“I am calling for proper investigation; the money should be refunded, and all officers involved should be brought to book.

“If the surveillance workers are not paid, people will go and break the pipeline and the man has nothing to do and it will tell on the economy of the Federal Government of Nigeria,” he said.