The Police Command in Ondo State has initiated an investigation into allegations of extortion against Ganiyu Dauda, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Igbara-Oke in the Ifedore Local Government Area.
The investigation follows a protest by residents of the community on Friday, April 11, who accused the DPO and his operatives of extorting money from locals.
The protesters, who were seen carrying leaves, blocked the main road leading into the community as a show of their dissatisfaction with the alleged extortion. The protest has drawn attention to the activities of the local police officers, sparking concerns among residents.
Speaking on the matter, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, confirmed that an investigation had been launched into the allegations. He urged anyone with relevant information about the extortion claims to come forward and assist the investigation.
Ayanlade stated, “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 further assured the public that the outcome of the investigation would be made known and appealed for law-abiding behavior from the people of the state.
The protest was reportedly triggered by a misunderstanding between some members of a drivers’ union and police officers over the towing of an accident vehicle into the Igbara-Oke Divisional Police station. Ayanlade explained that the issue had been resolved with the intervention of the local government chairman.