Ondo Police Boss Redeploys Igbara-Oke DPO Over Alleged Extortion, Orders Investigation

Akure, Ondo State– 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, Ganiyu Dauda, following allegations of extortion raised by residents of the community.

The directive came after a protest erupted on Friday in Igbara-Oke, Ifedore Local Government Area, where aggrieved residents took to the streets with placards and leaves, blocking the main road to express their frustration over what they described as persistent extortion by the DPO.

In a statement released on Sunday in Akure, the police command’s spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, confirmed the redeployment and said the Commissioner of Police had ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.

“The DPO was redeployed following a viral video circulating on social media where he was publicly accused of extortion by the aggrieved protesters during a heated altercation,” Ayanlade 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,” he added.

Ayanlade further disclosed that preliminary findings revealed the conflict arose from a disagreement between the DPO and certain members of the local community.

The situation, he said, has been resolved following the intervention of the Ifedore Local Government Chairman, who mediated between both parties.

“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,” he said.

He assured the public of the command’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and restoring trust between the police and the communities they serve.

“We urge members of the public to remain calm and allow for due process to take its course,” Ayanlade said.

Residents of Igbara-Oke have, in recent weeks, raised concerns about alleged heavy-handedness and financial demands from officers within the division.