Police suspend DPO over N500,000 extortion in Rivers

The Rivers State Police Command has suspended a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) following allegations of extortion and misconduct.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, disclosed in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, on Monday, June 22, 2026.

Agabe said the action followed reports circulating on social media alleging that the officer collected N500,000 from a suspect to secure his release from detention.

According to the reports, a payment receipt showed that the money was transferred to an Opay account bearing a name alleged to belong to the DPO.

The reports also alleged that the police officer arrested a mother of two and charged her to court after she reported that her husband had assaulted and injured her.

Agabe said the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.

Agabe stated that the DPO was immediately relieved of his duties pending the outcome of the investigation.

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“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.

The police spokesperson said the commissioner had expressed concern over the allegations and reaffirmed the command’s zero-tolerance stance to misconduct.

“Adepoju has assured residents that the investigation will be conducted diligently, professionally and without bias,” Agabe added.

Agabe assured the public that any officer found culpable after investigation would face appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with extant regulations.