CP Adepoju Orders Immediate Removal of Oyigbo DPO
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has taken decisive action by removing the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Oyigbo Police Division in Oyigbo Local Government Area. The removal follows serious allegations of extortion and abuse of office leveled against the officer.
Allegations of Extortion and False Charges
A rights activist publicly accused the DPO of extorting ₦500,000 from an individual who was allegedly arrested and detained at the station without any known offence. The activist shared proof of payment on social media to substantiate the claim. Additionally, the activist alleged that the DPO preferred a ridiculous charge against a woman, accusing her of stealing her own children during a dispute with her estranged husband. Based on these charges, the woman was remanded in a correctional custodial centre.
Police Command Responds
On Sunday, June 21, the spokesperson for the state police command, ASP Blessing Agabe, confirmed that the command had received the complaints against the Oyigbo DPO. She stated that the DPO has been removed in line with the command’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and professionalism. Agabe explained that CP Adepoju’s prompt decision to remove the DPO was to pave the way for a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations.
Commissioner's Assurance
The Commissioner of Police has assured the public that the investigation will be conducted diligently, professionally, and without bias. The statement from the command 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.”
