Rivers CP removes DPO accused of extortion, abuse of office

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has removed the Divisional Police Officer of Oyigbo Police Division in Oyigbo Local Government Area of the state over alleged extortion and abuse of office. 

This 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 and further alleged that the officer preferred a ridiculous charge against a woman, accusing her of stealing her own children in the course of a dispute with her estranged husband. 

The activist said the woman was then remanded in a correctional custodial centre based on the charges. 

Responding on Sunday, June 21, the 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 said the decision of CP Adepoju to promptly remove the DPO from his position is to pave the way for a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations. 

She, however, said the Commissioner of Police has assured members of the public that the investigation would 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.”