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The Ondo State Police Command says it has redeployed the Igbaraoke Divisional Police Officer, Ganiyu Dauda, after he was alleged to have been involved in extortion.
It also said it was investigating the officer following a viral video purporting that the said officer was involved in extortion.
The residents of Igbara-Oke community in the Ifedore Local Government Area of the state had on Friday protested alleged extortion by the DPO.
The protesters who held leaves, blocked the main road leading to the community to express their grievances.
The police command said it 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 a statement on Sunday, police Spokesman, Olusola Ayanlade, the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred 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 statement said.
“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.”
The protest on Friday say aggrieved residents barricading the main road, causing a serious gridlock.
According to the protesters, led by youth leader Owoeye Mayowa, DPO Daudu had been extorting residents of Igbara Oke.
Mr Mayowa alleged that the DPO collected exorbitant amounts of money from individuals who bring cases to the police station, even if they were civil cases.
The protesters claimed that Mr Daudu collected between N200,000 and N800,000 from people whose cases were brought to the police station.
One specific case cited by the protesters involved suspected armed robbers who were detained at the police station, but allegedly escaped.
The protesters also alleged that the DPO had been involved in corrupt practices such as illegal arrests and complicating issues brought before him with the intention of extorting huge sums of money from parties.
But the Police Spokesman had challenged any resident with concrete evidence to come forward with as investigation is ongoing.
He urged the residents to refrain from taking the laws into their hands, but to approach the police with evidences of misconduct against any police officer in the command.