Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Imo State Police Command has dismissed three serving officers over their alleged involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping, and car theft, in a case that has further intensified scrutiny of internal discipline within the Nigeria Police Force.
The dismissed officers — Sgt. Ekwueme Gift, Sgt. Eto Ikechukwu, and Cpl. Divine Ogwuaru — were found guilty following an orderly room trial, a disciplinary process used within the police system to address misconduct. According to authorities, the offences included impersonation and violations of established regulations governing professional conduct.
The incident reportedly occurred on February 8, 2026, along Mbaise Road in Owerri, the capital of Imo State. Police sources said the officers, who were not officially assigned to patrol duties that day, allegedly posed as members of the Tiger Base Unit — a tactical division within the command — while carrying out criminal activities. They are accused of robbing residents at gunpoint and stealing a vehicle during the operation.
Investigators said the stolen vehicle was later tracked to the Owerri–Onitsha Road, where the suspects were reportedly attempting to move it out of the area for disposal. The interception led to their arrest and subsequent internal disciplinary proceedings.
A civilian accomplice, identified as Elias Chukwu, was also arrested in connection with the case. Authorities allege that he served as the driver during the operation. He has been charged alongside the dismissed officers and is expected to face prosecution in a court of law.
The Command stated that the officers’ actions contravened Paragraph E (i) and (iii) of the First Schedule of the Police Act, as well as Regulation 370, offences punishable under Regulation 371 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, as amended. These provisions address serious misconduct, including acts that bring disrepute to the Force or constitute criminal behaviour.
Police Commissioner Audu Bosso described the development as a clear signal that the Command will not tolerate corruption or abuse of office. He directed the Legal Department to ensure the suspects are promptly arraigned in court.
“It will no longer be business as usual for officers who misbehave in this command. Any officer found guilty of misconduct or criminal activity will face the full force of the law,” Bosso said, underscoring what he characterized as a zero-tolerance policy toward internal corruption.
He further called on members of the public to support ongoing reform efforts by providing credible information that could aid investigations into misconduct within the Command. According to him, additional officers currently under investigation will face similar disciplinary action if found culpable.
Police Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye confirmed that the accused officers were swiftly apprehended and investigated in line with established procedures. He noted that dismissal from service does not replace criminal prosecution, stressing that the suspects must answer to the allegations in court.
Okoye said the Command’s actions reflect a renewed emphasis on accountability and professionalism, particularly at a time when public confidence in law enforcement institutions remains fragile in parts of the country. He added that the orderly room trial was conducted in strict compliance with applicable regulations and that due process was observed throughout.
Security analysts say the case is likely to resonate beyond Imo State, as it touches on broader concerns about police integrity and oversight in Nigeria. While internal disciplinary mechanisms exist, critics have long argued that enforcement has been inconsistent, contributing to recurring allegations of abuse, extortion, and misconduct.
The revelation that the dismissed officers allegedly impersonated a tactical unit has also raised operational concerns. Impersonation by serving officers not only undermines command structures but can also erode public trust, particularly in areas already grappling with security challenges. Owerri and surrounding communities have in recent years experienced intermittent incidents of violent crime and heightened security operations.
Civil society observers note that decisive action in cases involving serving personnel may help reinforce institutional credibility, provided prosecutions are transparent and outcomes publicly communicated. They emphasize that dismissals, while significant administratively, must be complemented by judicial accountability to deter future misconduct.
The Imo State Police Command has urged residents to report any instances of police abuse or suspicious activity through its Complaint Response Unit Desk line, assuring confidentiality in the handling of information. Officials say community cooperation remains central to restoring trust and improving service delivery.
As the case proceeds to court, attention will likely focus on whether the prosecution is conducted expeditiously and whether systemic reforms follow the high-profile dismissals. For many residents, the outcome will serve as a test of the Command’s commitment to internal cleansing and institutional reform.
The Nigeria Police Force has in recent years faced mounting calls for structural reform, improved welfare for officers, and enhanced oversight mechanisms. While disciplinary actions such as these signal enforcement of internal codes, long-term confidence will depend on sustained transparency and consistent application of the law.
For now, authorities in Imo maintain that the swift dismissal and impending prosecution of the accused officers mark a firm stance against criminality within the ranks — a stance they argue is necessary to rebuild public trust and reinforce the rule of law in the state.
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