In a dramatic response to a wave of public outrage, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Wilfred Afolabi, has ordered the immediate redeployment of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Igbara-Oke Division, CSP Ganiyu Dauda. This follows a cascade of damning allegations from residents, accusing the senior officer of serial extortion and abuse of power.
The crisis erupted on Friday when scores of aggrieved residents in Igbara-Oke, Ifedore Local Government Area, staged a protest that ground local activities to a halt. Brandishing green leaves in a traditional symbol of grievance, the protesters blocked major roads leading into the town, demanding justice and the immediate removal of the embattled DPO.
Fueling the fire was a viral video that surfaced on social media, capturing a tense confrontation between CSP Dauda and members of the community. In the footage, angry residents are seen confronting the officer, accusing him of systematically exploiting his position to extort money from innocent locals.
Reacting swiftly to the uproar, the Ondo State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, confirmed in a Sunday statement that Commissioner Afolabi had not only redeployed the DPO but also ordered a full-scale investigation into the matter.
“In response to the disturbing video and the gravity of the allegations, the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, has directed an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident,” the statement read. “This inquiry aims to uncover the facts, uphold justice, and reinforce the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.”
Preliminary findings, according to Ayanlade, indicate that the incident stemmed from a deepening dispute between the DPO and some community members—a situation that threatened to spiral out of control but was promptly de-escalated through the intervention of the Ifedore Local Government Chairman.
“To ensure objectivity and forestall any interference in the investigative process, the DPO has been redeployed from the Igbara-Oke Division pending the outcome of the inquiry,” Ayanlade added.
Reiterating the command’s commitment to professionalism and transparency, the spokesperson assured the public that the police would leave no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of the case.
“The Ondo State Police Command remains resolute in maintaining law and order, ensuring that its officers operate within the bounds of integrity and professionalism. We urge the public to remain calm, cooperate with investigators, and allow due process to prevail,” he concluded.
This incident has once again ignited debates around police accountability in Nigeria, spotlighting the urgent need for internal reforms and heightened oversight within the force. As investigations unfold, all eyes remain fixed on Ondo State to see whether justice will truly be served.
PIONEER NEWS 