Rivers State's police commissioner has suspended a divisional officer accused of extortion and abuse of power. The Oyigbo Police Division commander allegedly collected half a million naira from a detainee with no formal charges.
A rights activist brought the allegations to light on social media. He claimed the officer arrested and held a man unlawfully, then demanded payment for his release.
According to the activist, similar misconduct involved a woman who faced questionable criminal charges. Evidence of the alleged payment was shared online by the campaigner.
Police spokesman Blessing Agabe confirmed the suspension in a statement yesterday. She said Commissioner Olugbenga Adepoju ordered the immediate removal to ensure fairness in the investigation.
Agabe explained that the command takes such allegations seriously. "The officer has been relieved of his duties pending a thorough and impartial investigation," she noted.
The statement acknowledged online reports of the misconduct. It showed the command's commitment to accountability and professional standards.
CP Adepoju promised a diligent probe into the matter. He assured the public that the investigation would remain unbiased throughout.
Integrity and discipline remain the command's priorities. Agabe reiterated this in the official response.
Police also praised citizens for reporting misconduct. The command urged residents to continue using proper channels to file complaints about officer wrongdoing.
This action reflects growing pressure on law enforcement nationwide. Public outcry over police brutality and extortion has intensified recently.
Oyigbo residents welcomed the development. Many said they'd experienced similar treatment from officers in the division.
