Police Commissioner Confronts Officers at Illegal Roadblock
The Rivers State Police Commissioner, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has been captured in a viral video challenging officers who set up a roadblock in the state, stating that the action directly contradicts his recent directive banning such practices. The video, widely circulated on social media, shows the police boss during a special inspection where he stopped at the roadblock and interrogated the officers about their activities.
In the video, Adepoju is heard demanding: “Why are you blocking the road? Didn’t you hear when the commissioner of police said no police officer should block the road anymore for any reason? What’s your name? What’s your rank?” He then ordered the immediate removal of all blockades, reiterating that the Assistant Inspector General of Police had also warned against roadblocks.
Background: DPO Suspended for Extortion
This incident comes just 48 hours after the commissioner removed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at the Oyigbo Division of Rivers State. According to a statement issued on Sunday, June 21, signed by ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the DPO was suspended following allegations that he extorted N500,000 from a resident. The officer will remain suspended pending the outcome of an investigation.
Public Reactions to the Viral Video
The video has sparked widespread reactions from Nigerians on social media. User KL_MAMBA criticized the prevalence of police roadblocks, stating: “Nigerian police roadblocks are a frequent source of public frustration, routinely causing traffic delays and are associated with extortion demands at checkpoints. He knows why he's blocking the road. SMH.”
Ogbeni Adugbo commended the commissioner’s action, saying: “This is good to see. When leaders correct bad behaviour like this, it shows the system is working. Everyone should follow the rules, including officers.”
Ibrahim Agbana questioned whether similar orders exist in Abuja: “I don't think there is such an order in place. In Abuja FCT, around Jordan FM, before Ushafa bridge is sometimes blocked by the police while the FRSC join in using it. If there is an order, it should be followed and monitored.”
Chuuda highlighted the situation in Imo State, stating: “Come to imo state and see what roadblocks are. From one electric pole to another is a checkpoint; all the forces, even at the same spot, the army will be on one lane, the police on the other side, just like that, even at the heart of the state, you can't go home without checkpoints.”
