Ondo Police Command Investigates DPO Accused Of Extortion, Redeploys Him

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Police Command has redeployed a Divisional Police Officer, (DPO) accused of high-handedness and extortion at his duty post.

Residents of Igbara Oke, the headquarters of Ifedore Local Government Area  had embark on protest over alleged gross misconduct and extortion by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ganiyu Daudu.

The protesters barricaded the main road, causing a serious gridlock, and carried leaf branches while chanting “DPO Olè,” meaning “DPO is a thief

According to the protesters, led by youth leader Owoeye Mayowa, DPO Daudu has been extorting residents of Igbara Oke on multiple occasions.

Mayowa alleged that the DPO collects exorbitant amounts of money from individuals that have cases at the police station, even if they are civil cases. The protesters claimed that Daudu has been collecting between N200,000 and N800,000 from people whose cases were brought to the Police Station.

A statement on Sunday by the Command’s Spokesman, Ayankade Olusola, stated that “The Ondo State Police Command is aware of a viral video circulating on social media in which the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Igbaraoke is being publicly accused and referred to as “ole” (thief) by aggrieved individuals during a heated altercation.

“In response to the video and the serious nature of the allegations, the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident 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.

“The matter has since been amicably resolved following the timely intervention of the Igbaraoke 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 Igbaraoke Division pending the outcome of the inquiry.

“The Ondo State Police Command reiterates its commitment to transparency, accountability, and community trust. Members of the public are urged to remain calm and allow due process to take its course.”