Rivers State Police Commissioner Removes DPO Over Allegations of Extortion and Abuse of Office
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police has removed a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) following allegations of extortion and abuse of office, amid growing concerns over police accountability and public trust in Nigeria’s security system.
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the immediate removal of a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) following allegations of extortion, intimidation, and abuse of office, in a move authorities say is part of ongoing efforts to enforce discipline and restore public confidence in law enforcement.
The decision was announced in Port Harcourt on Monday by the Commissioner of Police, who ordered an internal reassignment pending a full investigation into the conduct of the officer accused of collecting illegal levies from residents and commercial motorists within his jurisdiction. (Channels TV)
According to preliminary reports, the affected DPO was accused by members of the public of demanding unofficial payments at checkpoints, harassing traders, and using his position to intimidate residents who refused to comply with alleged illegal requests.
The allegations gained traction after multiple complaints were submitted to the Command’s Complaint Response Unit (CRU), prompting an internal review and swift administrative action.
Police authorities stated that the officer has been relieved of his post at the divisional headquarters and reassigned to the state command headquarters pending disciplinary proceedings.
The Rivers State Police Command emphasized that the action does not yet amount to a conviction but reflects the force’s commitment to accountability and zero tolerance for misconduct.
In a statement made available to journalists, the Command reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force will not shield any officer found guilty of abusing public trust, warning that disciplinary mechanisms remain active and independent. (Nigeria Police Force)
Residents in the affected area have expressed mixed reactions to the development.
Some community members welcomed the decision, describing it as long overdue and necessary to curb what they described as “persistent harassment” by some security operatives. Others, however, called for a more transparent investigation to ensure that due process is followed before any final disciplinary conclusions are drawn.
Human rights advocates in Rivers State also reacted to the development, urging the police leadership to ensure that the investigation is thorough, independent, and publicly accountable.
They noted that allegations of extortion by security personnel remain a recurring concern across several states in Nigeria, particularly at checkpoints and in densely populated urban areas.
The Rivers State Police Command, under its current leadership, has in recent months intensified internal monitoring mechanisms aimed at improving professionalism among officers.
These include surprise inspections, digital reporting systems, and strengthened oversight by the Complaint Response Unit, which allows members of the public to report misconduct directly to the command.
Security analysts say the latest action reflects increasing pressure on Nigerian police authorities to address long-standing public complaints about extortion and abuse of power.
According to experts, public trust in law enforcement remains fragile, particularly in regions where residents frequently interact with multiple layers of policing and security checkpoints.
The issue of police misconduct has been a national concern in Nigeria, with several reform initiatives introduced over the years, including post-#EndSARS reforms aimed at improving accountability, reducing brutality, and enhancing transparency within the force.
Despite these efforts, advocacy groups argue that more structural reforms are needed to eliminate opportunities for extortion and to strengthen independent oversight mechanisms.
The Nigeria Police Force has repeatedly stated that it is committed to reform and professionalism, encouraging citizens to report misconduct through official channels.
In recent years, the Force has also introduced disciplinary tribunals and enhanced internal affairs units designed to investigate allegations against officers more efficiently.
However, public confidence in these mechanisms remains uneven, with many citizens still preferring to report cases through civil society organizations or media platforms rather than official police structures.
The removal of the Rivers State DPO has therefore been widely interpreted as part of a broader attempt by the command to demonstrate responsiveness to public concerns.
A senior police source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Command acted swiftly after reviewing credible complaints and preliminary findings suggesting possible misconduct.
“The Commissioner has made it clear that indiscipline will not be tolerated,” the source said. “Any officer found engaging in extortion or abuse of office will face immediate administrative action while investigations continue.”
Community leaders in Rivers State have also called for sustained monitoring of police conduct, particularly in high-traffic areas where complaints of extortion are most common.
They urged the Command to ensure that disciplinary actions are not isolated events but part of a consistent enforcement strategy.
Legal observers note that while administrative removal is an important step, it must be followed by a transparent investigative process to determine whether criminal charges or further sanctions are warranted.
The incident adds to ongoing national conversations about police reform and accountability in Nigeria, where citizens and rights groups continue to push for stronger safeguards against abuse of power.
As investigations proceed, the Rivers State Police Command has urged the public to remain calm and continue cooperating with security agencies while assuring residents that professionalism and accountability remain top priorities.
The outcome of the inquiry is expected to determine whether the dismissed officer will face formal disciplinary panels or possible prosecution under relevant laws governing police conduct.
For now, the Command insists that the action taken demonstrates its commitment to upholding integrity within the force and ensuring that officers who violate public trust are held accountable.