The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has removed the Divisional Police Officer of the Oyigbo Police Division in the state’s Oyigbo Local Government Area due to allegations of extortion and abuse of power.
On Friday, a rights activist accused the DPO of extorting ₦500,000 from an individual who was apprehended and detained in the station for no known offense.
The activist who posted evidence of the payment on social media also claimed that the officer preferred what he called a preposterous accusation against a woman, accusing her of taking her own children after a quarrel with her divorced husband.
According to the activist (names withheld), the woman was later remanded in a detention facility based on the charges, which he denounced.
However, in a statement made on Sunday by the state police command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, the commander acknowledged receiving the accusations against the Oyigbo DPO.
Agabe, an assistant superintendent of police, stated that the DPO’s termination aligns with the command’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and professionalism.
CP Adepoju’s removal of the DPO allows for a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations.
The CP has assured the public that the investigation will be conducted diligently, professionally, and without bias.
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.”
