Ganiyu Dauda, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Igbara-Oke Division accused of extortion, has been ordered to be redeployed immediately by Wilfred Afolabi, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State.
In a statement released in Akure on Sunday, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the command spokesperson, said that the DPO had been redeployed due to accusations of extortion made against him by locals.
Residents of the Igbara-Oke village in the state’s Ifedore Local Government Area demonstrated against the DPO’s alleged extortion on Friday, according to The Intercept.
To express their complaints, the demonstrators, who were carrying leaves, blocked the major road that led to the neighbourhood.
Ayanlade clarified that the DPO was reassigned after a social media video went viral and showed him being publicly accused of extortion by the irate demonstrators during a furious argument.
He said, “In response to the video and the serious nature of the allegations, the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident.
“The investigation is to determine the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and to uphold the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the incident stemmed from a disagreement between the DPO and certain members of the local community.
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“The matter has since been amicably resolved following the timely intervention of the Ifedore Local Government Chairman, who facilitated dialogue and de-escalation between the parties involved.
“In line with internal protocols and to ensure impartiality in the ongoing investigation, the DPO has been redeployed from Igbara-Oke Division pending the outcome of the inquiry.”
Ayanlade asked the public to maintain composure and give the subject due procedure while restating the command’s dedication to openness, responsibility, and community trust.
