Three Police Officers Dismissed For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Car Snatching
The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the dismissal of three of its officers over their involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping and car snatching.
The affected officers, identified as Sgt. Ekwueme Gift, Sgt. Eto Ikechukwu and Cpl. Divine Ogwuaru, were dismissed following an orderly room trial which found them guilty of the offences levelled against them, including impersonation.
A civilian accomplice, Elias Chukwu, who allegedly acted as the driver during the operation, has also been charged alongside the dismissed officers.
The suspects were said to have carried out the criminal act on February 8, 2026, along Mbaise Road in Owerri, where they reportedly robbed residents at gunpoint and snatched a vehicle.
The stolen vehicle was later tracked to the Owerri-Onitsha Road while the suspects were allegedly on their way to dispose of it before they were apprehended.
Police sources disclosed that the dismissed officers were not officially detailed for patrol on the day of the incident and had falsely presented themselves as members of the Tiger Base Unit of the Command while perpetrating the crime.
The offences were found to be contrary to Paragraph E (i) and (iii) of the First Schedule of the Police Act and Regulation 370, punishable under Regulation 371 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, as amended.
Police Commissioner in the state, CP Audu Bosso, who reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for corruption and unprofessional conduct, directed the Command’s Legal Department to ensure the immediate arraignment of the suspects in court.
“It will no longer be business as usual for erring officers in this command. Any officer found culpable of misconduct or criminality will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Police Public Relations Officer for the Command, DSP Henry Okoye, explained that the officers were swiftly apprehended, thoroughly investigated and summarily dismissed in line with extant laws guiding the conduct of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.
Okoye added that the suspects have to be charged to court to answer for the charges levelled against them.
The spokesperson noted that the action underscores the Command’s commitment to accountability, professionalism and restoration of public confidence.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
