Maha Christopher
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, has removed the Divisional Police Officer of the Oyigbo Police Division over allegations of extortion and abuse of office.
According to The Punch, the officer’s removal followed allegations by a rights activist that the DPO extorted ₦500,000 from an individual who was allegedly arrested and detained without any known offence.
The activist, who shared evidence of the payment on social media, also accused the officer of filing what he described as a questionable charge against a woman, alleging that she stole her own children during a dispute with her estranged husband.
The woman was subsequently remanded in a correctional facility based on the charges, a development the activist condemned.
Reacting to the allegations, the Rivers State Police Command said it had received complaints regarding the conduct of the officer.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, ASP Grace Iringe-Koko Agabe, said the Commissioner of Police expressed deep concern over the allegations and ordered the immediate removal of the DPO to allow for a thorough investigation.
Agabe stated that the action was in line with the command’s commitment to transparency, accountability and professionalism.
“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,” the statement read.
The police command assured members of the public that the investigation would be conducted diligently, professionally and without bias.
Adepoju also reaffirmed the command’s resolve to uphold discipline and ensure that officers found culpable of misconduct are held accountable in accordance with the law.
