The Rivers State Police Command has removed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Oyigbo Police Division in Oyigbo Local Government Area following allegations of extortion and abuse of office.
The action was taken after a human rights activist alleged on Friday that the officer collected ₦500,000 from an individual who was reportedly arrested and detained at the police station despite not being accused of any known crime.
The activist, who shared proof of the payment on social media, also accused the officer of filing what he described as an unreasonable charge against a woman. According to the allegation, the woman was accused of stealing her own children during a dispute involving her estranged husband.
It was further claimed that the woman was later remanded in a correctional facility based on the charges, a development that drew criticism from the activist.
Reacting to the allegations, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe, confirmed in a statement released on Sunday that the command had received complaints concerning the conduct of the Oyigbo DPO.
Agabe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, explained that the officer’s removal reflects the command’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and professionalism in the discharge of its duties.
She stated that the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, ordered the immediate removal of the officer to ensure a comprehensive and unbiased investigation into the allegations.
The police spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police has assured residents that the investigation would be carried out thoroughly, professionally, and fairly.
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.”
