Three police officers dismissed for armed robbery, kidnapping, car snatching in Imo
Three Imo State Police Officers Dismissed for Involvement in Criminal Activities
OWERRI, Imo State — The Imo State Police Command has dismissed three officers following their conviction for crimes including armed robbery, kidnapping, and car theft.
The dismissed officers are identified as Sergeant Ekwueme Gift, Sergeant Eto Ikechukwu, and Corporal Divine Ogwuaru. Their termination came after an orderly room trial that found them guilty of the charges, which also included impersonation.
A civilian accomplice, Elias Chukwu, has been charged alongside the officers. According to reports, the group conducted their crimes on February 8, 2026, along Mbaise Road in Owerri, where they allegedly robbed residents at gunpoint and stole a vehicle.
Law enforcement officials tracked the stolen vehicle to the Owerri-Onitsha Road as the suspects attempted to dispose of it. Sources have indicated that the officers were not on official patrol duty that day and misrepresented themselves as members of the Tiger Base Unit during the robbery.
The offenses committed by the officers are in violation of Paragraph E (i) and (iii) of the First Schedule of the Police Act and Regulation 370, which are punishable under Regulation 371 of the amended Nigeria Police Act 2020.
Police Commissioner Audu Bosso emphasized his commitment to eradicating corruption and unprofessional conduct within the force. He has instructed the Command’s Legal Department to proceed with the immediate arraignment of the suspects. “It will no longer be business as usual for erring officers in this command,” Bosso stated. He encouraged the public to provide credible information to help improve the police system, asserting that further disciplinary actions will be taken against officers found guilty.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Henry Okoye, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed that the officers were swiftly apprehended, thoroughly investigated, and dismissed in accordance with police conduct regulations. He added that the suspects will face legal proceedings to answer the charges against them.
Okoye reiterated the Command’s dedication to accountability and professionalism, urging community members to report incidents of police misconduct through the Complaint Response Unit Desk at 08148024755. He assured that all reports will be treated confidentially.
