By Deborah Nnamdi
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has removed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Oyigbo Police Division following allegations of extortion and abuse of office.
The action came after a rights activist accused the officer of extorting N500,000 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 alleged that the DPO filed what he described as a questionable charge against a woman, accusing her of stealing her own children during a dispute with her estranged husband.
According to the activist, the woman was subsequently remanded in a correctional facility based on the charge, a development he condemned.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe, said the command had received the complaints against the officer.
Agabe stated that the DPO’s removal was in line with the command’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and professionalism, adding that the decision was taken to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations.
She said the Commissioner of Police had expressed deep concern over the incident and reiterated that the command would not tolerate misconduct, abuse of office, or any action capable of undermining public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
“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 statement said.
“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 police command assured the public that the investigation would be conducted diligently, professionally, and without bias, while reaffirming its commitment to upholding discipline and accountability within the force.
