Imo Police Detain Traffic Warden and Two Civil Guards Over Alleged Extortion Caught on Video
Police authorities in Imo State have detained an inspector and two civil guard members following a viral video depicting the alleged harassment and extortion of a driver in Owerri.
The Imo State Police Command has taken into custody a police traffic warden and two officers of the State Civil Guard Corps after video footage surfaced showing the alleged harassment and extortion of a motorist in Owerri. The arrests followed public circulation of the recording, which prompted regional authorities to initiate an internal investigation into the officers’ conduct.
The Incident and Viral Video
According to a statement issued by the command and reported by Vanguard News, the incident took place on October 8, 2026, within the state capital of Owerri. The footage circulating on social media showed the officers confronting a driver who was reportedly operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s licence. Instead of standard enforcement, the personnel were seen allegedly subjecting the motorist to harassment and attempting to extract money.
State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed that the command reviewed the footage and condemned the actions depicted. The police leadership described the behavior as unacceptable and completely at odds with established standards of discipline, integrity, and lawful conduct expected from regional law enforcement officers.
Suspects Identified and Transferred to SCID
Authorities identified the primary suspects involved in the recorded encounter. The police inspector was identified as Chinwe Ejiogu, a traffic warden attached to the Shell Camp Divisional Police Headquarters. The two members of the State Civil Guard Corps were identified as Kelechi Nzediagwu and Onyedikachi Chibuike.
As reported by Vanguard News, all three individuals were taken into custody and remanded at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) while the inquiry proceeds. Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, directed the command’s Complaint Response Unit (CRU) to handle the matter and determine the full circumstances surrounding the encounter.
Call for Testimony and Institutional Position
As part of the formal inquiry, the command urged the affected driver to report to the Complaint Response Unit to provide direct information and assist investigators. Command officials noted that full disciplinary measures would be enacted based on the final findings of the unit.
The police command reiterated its stance on roadside enforcement, emphasizing that an alleged traffic offense—such as driving without a licence—does not provide lawful grounds for abuse of power, harassment, or extortion. Personnel across all divisions were warned to execute their responsibilities within legal boundaries and treat citizens with professional courtesy. Authorities also reiterated their appeal to the wider public to report any further encounters involving misconduct through established police complaint channels.
Source: Vanguard News
Tags: Accountability · Imo State · news · Nigeria Police · Owerri · Police Misconduct · ViralBrief