THE Rivers State Police Command has removed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Oyigbo Police Division in Oyigbo Local Government Area following allegations of extortion and abuse of office.
The decision was announced after a rights activist accused the officer of extorting ₦500,000 from an individual who was allegedly arrested and detained without any known offence.
The activist also shared what was described as evidence of the payment on social media.
In addition, the activist alleged that the officer filed questionable charges against a woman involved in a dispute with her estranged husband, accusing her of stealing her own children.
According to the claims, the woman was subsequently remanded in a correctional facility based on the charges.
Reacting to the allegations, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, ASP Blessing Agabe, confirmed in a statement yesterday that the command had received the complaints against the officer.
Agabe said the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, ordered the immediate removal of the DPO from his position to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations.
She noted that the action reflects the command’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and professionalism, adding that the police would not condone any conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the force.
According to the statement, the Commissioner expressed concern over the allegations and assured residents that the investigation would be carried out diligently, professionally, and without prejudice.
“The command will not tolerate any form of misconduct, abuse of office, or actions capable of eroding public trust in the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement said.
The police command further assured members of the public that appropriate action would be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.
