Rivers Police Officer Suspended Over Alleged N500,000 Bribery

The police in Rivers State have suspended a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) due to claims of extortion and bad behavior.

The police spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, shared this news with reporters on Monday in Port Harcourt.

Ms Agabe, who is an assistant superintendent of police, said the suspension comes after social media reports claimed the officer took N500,000 from a suspect to get him out of detention.

Reports also mentioned that a payment receipt showed the money was sent to an Opay account linked to the DPO's name.

Additionally, the officer is accused of arresting a mother of two. This happened after she reported that her husband had assaulted and hurt her.

Ms Agabe stated that the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Olugbenga Adepoju, has called for a full investigation into these claims.

She noted that the officer has been taken off his duties while the investigation is ongoing.

"In response to the allegations and to show our commitment to transparency, accountability and professionalism, the officer has been removed from office pending a thorough and impartial investigation," she said.

The police spokesperson mentioned that the commissioner is worried about the allegations and emphasized the command’s strong stand against misconduct.

She said the police will not accept any misuse of power or actions that could damage the public's trust in the Nigeria Police Force.

"Adepoju has assured residents that the investigation will be done carefully, professionally and fairly," she added.

Ms Agabe also highlighted the police command's dedication to high standards of integrity, discipline and service.

She urged residents to keep reporting any cases of alleged misconduct through the right channels.

The spokesperson promised that any officer found guilty after the investigation will face proper disciplinary action according to the laws.