After days of backlash on social media, the Nigeria Police Force has dismissed Richard Gele, an Inspector of Police caught in a viral video justifying extortion.
In the video which trended from July 25, Gele was seen openly extorting members of the public and boasting that he was not afraid of taking bribes.
Gele, with staff number AP/No.188547, was until his dismissal attached to Police Mobile Force 77 Squadron, Okene, Kogi State and deployed to the Itobe–Anyigba Road, the route where the incident occurred.
The Benue State indigene joined the Nigeria Police Force in September 2000.
A statement posted on the social media handles of the Nigeria Police Force, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced the officer’s dismissal.
“His dismissal came after subjection to the internal disciplinary mechanism and being found wanting of the charges levelled against him in line with extant laws governing the conduct of police personnel.
“He, therefore, ceases to be a member of the Nigeria Police Force with immediate effect. The officer has been de-kitted and handed over to the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State, for further necessary action,” the statement said.
The statement added that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba, “expressed the staunch commitment of his administration to bequeathing policing standards in tandem with international best practices to the nation”.
The IGP also warned all personnel to eschew extortion, unprofessionalism, official corruption and other inappropriate acts.
