Rivers CP Axes Oyigbo DPO Amidst Extortion and Abuse of Office Claims

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Oyigbo Police Division, located in Rivers State's Oyigbo Local Government Area, has been relieved of his duties by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju. This decision follows serious accusations of financial extortion and misuse of official authority leveled against the officer.

The allegations surfaced through a rights activist who claimed the DPO illegally collected N500,000 from an individual detained at the station without any clear offense. The activist further bolstered these claims by sharing evidence of the payment on various social media platforms. Additionally, the activist highlighted another instance of alleged abuse, where the officer supposedly brought a frivolous charge against a woman, accusing her of 'stealing her own children' during a dispute with her estranged husband. This charge reportedly led to the woman being remanded in a correctional custodial facility.

Responding to the public outcry on Sunday, June 21, the Rivers State Police Command's spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, confirmed that the command had received the complaints concerning the Oyigbo DPO. Agabe stated that the DPO's removal aligns with the command’s dedication to upholding transparency, accountability, and professionalism within the force. She clarified that CP Adepoju's swift action to remove the DPO from his post is intended to ensure an exhaustive and unbiased investigation into the allegations.

Furthermore, Agabe conveyed the Commissioner of Police's assurance to the public that the investigation would be conducted with diligence, professionalism, and without prejudice. A portion of the official statement read: “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,” the statement continued. It concluded by stating: “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.”