To instill discipline among men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the Rivers State Police Command reads the riot act against illegal checkpoints operation and improper dressing, just as it removes Oyigbo DPO over alleged extortion and abuse of office
By Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police (CP) Olugbenga Adepoju, has embarked on an inspection tour of police checkpoints on major highways across the state to ensure compliance with the directive of the Inspector general of police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, prohibiting roadblocks, extortion of motorists and improper dressing by officers while on duty.
The checkpoints visited include those on the East-West Road in Emohua Local Government Area (LGA) and those on the Port Harcourt-Owerri Road in Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA).
Addressing newsmen at Omerelu, a boundary community between Rivers and Imo states, Adepoju said the tour was aimed at ensuring that officers deployed on highways were properly dressed, wore their name tags and conducted themselves professionally while interacting with members of the public.
“We are here in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who directed that we go round and monitor officers on duty to ensure they are doing well, are properly dressed with their name tags displayed, and are not extorting members of the public,” he said.
The CP further stated that routine inspections were part of the core responsibilities of police leadership to ensure officers under their command discharge their duties in accordance with established standards.
He warned that officers found not properly dressed, without name tags, or obstructing traffic with unauthorized roadblocks would face disciplinary action, stressing, “Those who are not properly dressed or whose name tags are not fixed on their uniforms have had their particulars taken and will be referred to their commanders for disciplinary action at the headquarters.”
The CP emphasized that the monitoring exercise would be continuous, noting that commanders and heads of departments had also been directed to regularly supervise officers under their commands.
Adepoju observed that the number of road checkpoints along the Imo boundary had reduced drastically and that the few roadblocks encountered during the inspection were immediately dismantled.
“We have directed that nobody should block the road. Officers should position themselves strategically and carry out stop-and-search operations without obstructing traffic. So far, compliance has been encouraging, and with sustained monitoring, things will get even better,” Adepoju said.
The police commissioner urged members of the public to cooperate with officers on patrol, stressing that police personnel were deployed on the roads primarily for the safety and security of citizens.
“I advise members of the public to understand that the police are on the roads for their safety. Whenever officers flag them down, they should cooperate with them.
“If anyone encounters an officer who misbehaves or attempts to extort them, they should report such conduct through the phone numbers made available on social media and other platforms, including the Police Public Relations Office and the control room, so that appropriate action can be taken,” he added.
Similarly, Adepoju removed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Oyigbo Police Division was removed over allegations of abuse of office and extortion
Tentacle learnt that a human rights activist had on Friday, June 19, 2026, accused the DPO of extorting ₦500,000) from an individual who was allegedly arrested and detained at the station without any known offence.
The activist also alleged that the officer preferred what he described as a ridiculous charge against a woman, accusing her of stealing her own children in the course of a dispute with her estranged husband.
According to the activist, the woman was subsequently remanded in a correctional custodial centre based on the charges, a development he condemned.
However, in a statement issued on Sunday, June 21, 2026, by the Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, (ASP) Agabe Blessing Karbolo, the Command said its attention had been drawn to a publication circulating on various online platforms alleging misconduct involving a Divisional Police Officer within the Command.
The statement noted that, in line with the Command’s commitment to transparency, accountability and professionalism, the officer concerned had been immediately removed from his position pending the outcome of a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations.
“The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga A. Adepoju, expressed 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,” the statement reads.
It further stated that the Commissioner of Police assured members of the public that the investigation would be conducted diligently, professionally and without bias.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, discipline and service delivery. The Command also appreciates the vigilance of members of the public and encourages citizens to continue reporting incidents of misconduct through appropriate channels,” the statement added.
