The Rivers State Police Command removes the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Oyigbo Police Division following allegations of extortion and abuse of office. Multiple reports say the action follows public complaints made by a rights activist, including an allegation that the DPO extorts ₦500,000 from a man who is arrested and detained at the station without an apparent offence. The activist reportedly posts evidence of the payment on social media. The same activist also alleges the DPO files what he describes as an improper charge in a separate matter involving a woman in a dispute with her estranged husband, which results in her being remanded in a correctional facility over accusations related to stealing children.
In a statement attributed to the Rivers State Police spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police Blessing Agabe, the command confirms it receives the complaints and says the DPO is immediately removed to allow for a thorough and impartial investigation. The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, is reported to express dismay and reaffirm that the command does not tolerate misconduct or actions that undermine public trust. The police have not publicly released the removed DPO’s name.
