The decision was taken by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, after a rights activist on Friday accused the officer of extorting ₦500,000 from a man who was allegedly arrested and detained at the station without any known offence.
The activist also shared what he described as proof of payment on social media and further alleged that the DPO filed what he called a “ridiculous charge” against a woman, accusing her of stealing her own children during a dispute with her estranged husband.
He claimed the woman was later remanded in a correctional custodial centre based on the said charges, a development he strongly criticised.
In response, the Rivers State Police Command confirmed awareness of the allegations in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police.
The command said the officer had been removed from duty to allow for a proper and unbiased investigation into the matter, in line with its commitment to professionalism and accountability.
She noted that the Commissioner of Police has assured the public that the allegations would be thoroughly and fairly investigated without prejudice.
The statement partly reads, “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.
“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.”