The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has removed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Oyigbo Police Division in Oyigbo Local Government Area over alleged extortion and abuse of office.
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Allegations of ₦500,000 Extortion and Ridiculous Charges
The removal comes after a rights activist alleged that the DPO extorted ₦500,000 from an individual who was allegedly arrested and detained at the station without any known offence. The activist shared proof of payment on social media.
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The activist further alleged that the officer filed a ridiculous charge against a woman, accusing her of stealing her own children during a dispute with her estranged husband. The woman was subsequently remanded in a correctional custodial centre based on those charges.
Police Spokesperson Confirms Removal
Responding on Sunday, June 21, spokesperson for the state police command, ASP Blessing Agabe, said the command received the complaints against the Oyigbo DPO.
Agabe said the DPO has been removed in line with the command’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and professionalism. She explained that Commissioner Adepoju’s decision to promptly remove the DPO from his position is to pave the way for a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations.
She assured members of the public that the investigation would be conducted diligently, professionally, and without bias.
Police Command’s Official Statement
The statement partly reads:
“The attention of the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to a publication currently circulating on various online platforms alleging misconduct involving a Divisional Police Officer in the command.”
“The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Olugbenga Adepoju, expressed his deep dismay over the incident and reiterated that the command will not tolerate any form of misconduct, abuse of office, or actions capable of undermining public trust and confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.”
“In response to the allegations and in line with the command’s commitment to transparency, accountability and professionalism, the officer concerned has been immediately removed from his position pending the outcome of a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter
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