A Divisional Police Officer (DPO) has been suspended by the Rivers State Police Command following allegations of extortion and misconduct, which went viral on social media.
Penpushing reports that the Command Public Relations Officer Blessing Agabe, disclosed this to journalists on Monday in Port Harcourt alleging that the officer collected N500,000 from a suspect to secure his release from detention.
The police spokesperson, an assistant superintendent of police, said the reports, alleged that a payment receipt indicated that the money was transferred to an Opay account bearing a name alleged to belong to the Divisional Police Officer.
Penpushing further reports that the reports equally alleged that the officer arrested a mother of two and charged her to court after she reported that her husband had assaulted and injured her.
The Command image mage maker stated that the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the allegations, affirming that the officer was immediately relieved of his duties pending the outcome of the investigation.
“In response to the allegations and in line with the command’s commitment to transparency, accountability and professionalism, the officer has been removed from office pending a thorough and impartial investigation,” she said.
Penpushing also reports that the police spokesperson said the commissioner expressed concern over the allegations and reaffirmed the command’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, assuring that the command will not condone abuse of office or any conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
The Public Relations Officer added that the police boss has assured residents that the investigation will be conducted diligently, professionally and without bias, reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity, discipline and service delivery.
Penpushing reports that she also encouraged residents to continue reporting cases of alleged misconduct through appropriate channels, with assurance that any officer found culpable after investigation would face appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with extant regulations.
FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email penpushing@yahoo.com
