The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered the removal of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Oyigbo Police Division following allegations of extortion and abuse of office.
The decision comes after a rights activist accused the officer of extorting ₦500,000 from an individual who was allegedly arrested and detained without any known offence.
According to the activist, evidence of the payment was shared on social media alongside claims that the DPO was involved in other questionable actions, including the prosecution of a woman accused of stealing her own children during a dispute with her estranged husband.
The activist further alleged that the woman was subsequently remanded in a correctional facility based on the charges filed against her.
Reacting to the allegations, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, ASP Blessing Agabe, confirmed that the command had received complaints concerning the conduct of the Oyigbo DPO.
In a statement issued on Sunday, June 21, Agabe disclosed that the officer had been removed from his position pending the outcome of an investigation.
She explained that the action was taken in line with the command's commitment to transparency, accountability, and professionalism.
According to the police spokesperson, the decision by Commissioner Adepoju to immediately remove the officer was intended to ensure a thorough, impartial, and unhindered investigation into the allegations.
Agabe also assured members of the public that the investigation would be conducted professionally and without bias.
"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 statement read.
She added that the Commissioner of Police expressed deep concern over the allegations and reaffirmed the command's zero-tolerance stance on misconduct and abuse of office.
"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," the statement added.
The Rivers State Police Command urged residents to remain calm and assured the public that appropriate action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
0 Comments
DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed on this platform as comments were freely made by each person under his or her own volition or responsibility and were neither suggested nor dictated by the owners of News PLATFORM or any of their contracted staff. So we take no liability whatsoever for such comments.
Please take note!