ALLEGED #80M EXTORTION: Rights Activist Israel Joe Confronts Rivers PPRO Over Comments. ….. Says SP Iringe-Koko is telling lies as well as conspiring to cover up the matter by the Rivers State Police Command's CID.

Illustrative photograph

"The PPRO is only making matters worse owing to many conversations by their men that are "antithetical" and "incoherent" with her cover-up position." Comrade Israel Joe.

"Let me raise a few questions and keep all other evidence until we get to the Force Headquarters."

Human Right Activist, Comrade Israel Joe has engaged the Rivers State Police Command's Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko in a war of words over the eighty million naira allegedly extorted by policemen from one Mr. Atubi Davidson, Chairman of a Surveillance facility.

In a statement signed and made available to journalists, Comrade Joe reiterated that the Police image-maker, SP Iringe-Koko is telling lies as well as conspiring to cover up the matter by the Rivers State Police Command's CID.

It is recalled that SP Iringe-Koko had, over the weekend issued a statement wherein she reacted to a video shared by Comrade Israel Joe concerning the arrest of the suspect, Davidson Atubi on September 14 by the CyberCrime Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID.

The Rivers state PPRO, SP Iringe-Koko in her statement had disclosed that the arrest of Mr. Davidson was for his alleged involvement in cybercrime and ritualistic activities.

According to her, "Subsequent to a comprehensive search of his residence at No. 6 Peace Avenue, Ogbelu, Rivers State, police operatives discovered substantial sums of money in both domestic and foreign currencies concealed in his premises, notably atop the ceiling.”

“The inability of Mr. Davidson to provide a satisfactory account for the origin of this money led to his transfer to the SCID for further investigation.” She had stated. 

"However, it came to light that the suspect had a urinary catheter in his stomach, necessitating a medical assessment. 

"Upon consultation with a medical professional, it was determined that his health condition could not endure excessive stress, prompting a decision to release him into the custody of a reliable surety while investigations continued.

"Mr. John's father acted as his surety and requested financial assistance for his son's medical needs. 

"The Deputy Commissioner of Police granted a partial release of funds on compassionate grounds for the suspect's healthcare, while the remaining amount was meticulously documented and entrusted to the exhibit keeper. Additionally, a gold necklace, reportedly obtained from an undisclosed woman, was also registered with the exhibit keeper.

"The Rivers State Police Command emphatically reaffirms that the entirety of the money is securely registered and under the custody of the exhibit keeper, thus refuting any insinuations to the contrary made by the suspect, as it is vital to get proper understanding of the reason behind concealing such huge amount of money in cash in his house, as well as not being able to give full account of the monies."

“SP Iringe-Koko, on behalf of the Rivers State Command urged the public to dismiss the misinformation presented by Israel Joe, recognizing it as a distortion of facts. 

"It is important to emphasize that the investigation is ongoing, and the Command intends to provide a comprehensive update to the public regarding its outcome in due course."

In a swift reaction, Comrade Joe expressed disappointment over what he termed as "disgrace, "lies, damage control and professional deficiencies in the watery and illogical press release by the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Iringe-Koko.”

While noting that he will not back down on the issue until the Force Headquarters investigates and delivers justice, Comrade Joe emphatically said that the PPRO is only making matters worse owing to many conversations by their men that are "antithetical" and "incoherent" with her cover-up position.

"Let me raise a few questions and keep all other evidence until we get to the Force Headquarters.” He stated.

"In her release, she failed to mention the amount that was extorted by the police. She also alleged in her damage controlled poorly scripted press release that the young man was being investigated for cyber crime and ritualistic activities, which will be tested under investigation by the Force Headquarters to reveal such gruesome lies. 

"She went forward to state that the victim's father appealed for funds for medical treatment of the victim, and the Command gladly released 10,000 dollars along with 3 million naira. Upon whose medical advice would you release money for someone not under any emergency?"

In his words, "She failed to state that outside the gold chain valued for 4 million naira, her men also carted away clothes, shoes, and two plasma televisions. 

"In defending what they allegedly stole, she noted that it was meticulously documented with the exhibit keeper. Laughably, if really they are investigating cyber crime, would you keep a chain and money then release the two cars which you alleged were proceeds from crime?

"Isn't she aware of the administration of the Criminal Justice Act before compelling the victim to write different statements under duress with all manner of offences? 

"Why didn't they charge the matter to court? Are they not aware I was personally involved under disguised and heard all they said to my hearing, which we shall put forward at the Force Headquarters?

"Didn't they find out the genuineness of the money before they released the victim, then now alleging what never existed? 

"Let them keep explaining and doing damage control, but, surely, she can not in any administrative capacity preempt investigations on a petition already before the Force Headquarters." 

Comrade Joe boasted that he has all the appeals on record in resolving the matter amicably. 

"However, "he whom the gods wants to kill, they first make mad; by Chinua Achebe," he said.