Rivers Police Chief sacks DPO over extortion claims

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has removed the Divisional Police Officer of Oyigbo Police Division in Oyigbo Local Government Area. This action comes after claims of extortion and abuse of office against the officer.

The DPO was accused of taking ₦500,000 from a person who was arrested and held at the station without any clear reason. A rights activist made this claim on Friday. The activist shared proof of the payment on social media. They also claimed the officer brought a strange charge against a woman, saying she stole her own children during a fight with her estranged husband.

According to the activist (names withheld), the woman was later sent to a correctional facility based on these charges. The activist expressed strong disapproval of this situation.

In a statement released on Sunday by the police command's spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, the command confirmed they had received complaints about the Oyigbo DPO. Agabe, who is an Assistant Superintendent of Police, stated that the DPO's removal aligns with the command's promise to be open and professional.

She mentioned that Commissioner Adepoju's quick decision to remove the DPO was to allow for a full and fair investigation into the claims. Agabe assured the public that the investigation would be thorough, professional, and unbiased.

The statement included, "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."