CP Removes DPO Over Alleged Extortion, Abuse of Office

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police (CP), Olugbenga Adepoju, has removed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Oyigbo Police Division from office following allegations of extortion and abuse of office.

Global Mirror News gathered that the officer’s removal comes after a rights activist accused the DPO of allegedly extorting ₦500,000 from an individual said to have been arrested and detained at the station without any known offence.

According to the activist, evidence of the alleged payment was shared online. The activist also accused the DPO of filing what was described as an unusual charge against a woman during a dispute with her estranged husband.

The woman was allegedly accused of stealing her own children and was subsequently remanded at a correctional custodial centre based on the charge, an allegation that has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over alleged misuse of police powers.

In a statement issued on Sunday, June 21, the Rivers State Police Command confirmed that it had received complaints concerning the DPO.

The Command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, said the Commissioner of Police acted immediately by removing the officer from his position to allow for a thorough and impartial investigation.

Agabe said the action reflects the Command’s stated commitment to transparency, accountability and professionalism in policing.

“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 said.

CP Adepoju, according to the police, expressed deep concern over the allegations and warned that the Command would not tolerate misconduct, abuse of office or any conduct capable of undermining public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.

The Command assured residents that the investigation would be conducted diligently, professionally and without bias, adding that appropriate action would be taken based on the outcome of the probe.

The development comes amid renewed public scrutiny of police conduct in Rivers State, where the Command has recently reiterated that officers found engaging in extortion, harassment or other unprofessional conduct would face disciplinary action.