Police Probe DPO Accused Of Extortion

The Police Command in Ondo State has commenced a probe into claims of extortion leveled against Ganiyu Dauda, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) overseeing Igbara-Oke in the Ifedore Local Government Area. The inquiry was prompted by a demonstration held by community residents on Friday, April 11, who accused the DPO and his team of extracting money from locals.

The demonstrators, visibly holding leaves, obstructed the primary road entering the community to express their frustration with the alleged extortion. The protest has highlighted the conduct of local police officers, raising alarm among the residents.

Addressing the issue, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, verified that an investigation into the allegations had been initiated. He encouraged anyone possessing pertinent details about the extortion accusations to step forward and aid the investigation.

Ayanlade declared, “The command has launched an investigation into the details of the event and the alleged extortion. Although nobody has come forward to lay any report concerning the allegation against the DPO, anybody that has concrete evidence against the DPO or any of our men should please come forward with the facts.”

He also reassured the public that the results of the investigation would be disclosed and called for lawful conduct from the state’s residents.

The demonstration was reportedly sparked by a dispute between certain members of a drivers’ union and police officers regarding the towing of a vehicle involved in an accident to the Igbara-Oke Divisional Police station. Ayanlade noted that the matter had been settled with the involvement of the local government chairman.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli