Officers who went ex-NDDC MD’s residence were on legitimate duty – Police

By our reprter| The Rivers State police command, on Friday confirmed that policemen who attempted to arrest Joi Nunieh, former acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), were on legitimate duty.

Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike, prevented the policemen from arresting the former acting managing director of NDDC, describing the operation as illegal and called on the inspector general of police to probe the officers.

But in a statement on Friday, Nnamdi Omoni, the state police spokesman, said the police operatives were of the inspector-general of police (IGP) monitoring team, with support of Joseph Mukan, the state commissioner of police.

The statement read, “The Rivers police command wish to clarify that officers who went to the residence of Nunieh were from the I-G Monitoring Team in Abuja on official assignment to the state.”

“The officers, before proceeding to Nunieh’s residence, observed due protocols and requisite standard operating procedures.

“On arrival, the officers reported to the police command headquarters with their investigation activities duly signed and approved by the commissioner.”

Omoni said the mobile policemen that accompanied the team to effect the arrest of Nunieh, went there on official duty.

“The reference that police officers went to arrest Nunieh without the directive of the CP and I-G is ridiculous and most unfortunate, hence should be disregarded,” he said.

“Mukan is poised to deliver quality policing services and the command will continue to remain firm, focused and will not be distracted by any consideration,” the statement said.

The embattled former NDDC acting chairman had accused Godwill Akpabio, the Minister for Niger Delta of masterminding the operation.