Anambra Police Commissioner Orders Detention of Three Inspectors Over Corruption Allegations
Three police inspectors in Anambra have been detained over corruption allegations involving extortion and misconduct during a routine patrol.
Commissioner Orutugu vows swift disciplinary action to restore public trust and uphold the Force’s integrity and accountability.
In a decisive move to uphold discipline and integrity within the Nigeria Police Force, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered the detention of three police inspectors over allegations of corruption. The directive was issued on Tuesday, June 11, 2025, following preliminary findings that pointed to misconduct involving extortion and abuse of power by the officers in question.
The police inspectors are accused of accosting a civilian during a routine patrol, unlawfully searching his mobile phone, and extorting money from him. The incident reportedly took place while the officers were on active duty, tasked with ensuring public safety in the state.
According to the Commissioner, an internal disciplinary process has already been initiated, in line with the Nigeria Police Force’s rules and procedures for handling such infractions. He emphasized that the disciplinary measures will be swift and thorough to ensure that justice is served and public confidence is maintained.
While addressing the matter during an internal briefing, CP Orutugu expressed his disappointment in the conduct of the officers. He described their actions as highly unprofessional and a betrayal of the public trust. The CP lamented that such behavior, if left unchecked, could further damage the reputation of the police force and erode the confidence citizens have in law enforcement.
“The Nigeria Police Force is founded on principles of accountability, transparency, and professionalism. We have zero tolerance for any form of corruption, misconduct, or abuse of office,” Orutugu stated. “This kind of behavior is not only unprofessional, but it also undermines our collective efforts to reform the police and build a service that citizens can trust and depend on.”
The Commissioner made it clear that the Force will not shield any of its personnel found to be involved in activities that tarnish its image or violate the rights of citizens. He also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring that erring officers face the full weight of internal disciplinary measures.
He noted that cases like this, when not addressed adequately, could jeopardize the overall execution of law enforcement policies and strain the relationship between the police and the people they are meant to serve. According to him, rebuilding public trust is a priority, and one of the ways to achieve this is by holding officers accountable for their actions.
The Commissioner’s swift response to the allegation has drawn commendation from various quarters, including civil society groups advocating for police reform and human rights. They praised the leadership of CP Orutugu for acting decisively and urged the police command to ensure transparency throughout the disciplinary process.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement released in Awka. He reiterated that the Anambra State Police Command remains committed to upholding the core values of the Force and protecting the rights and dignity of all citizens.
As the internal investigation progresses, members of the public have been encouraged to continue reporting any instances of police misconduct. The Anambra State Police Command has assured the public of its dedication to purging the system of unethical behavior and restoring credibility to the institution.
