The Rivers State Police Command has denied allegations of land grabbing against Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju. The allegations surfaced after a protest by the Rumuosi Council of Chiefs and residents of the community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. They accused Adepoju of conniving with land grabbers to dispossess them of their ancestral land at Victory Estate, Rumuosi.
The police command's spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, issued a statement in Port Harcourt on Monday, dismissing the allegations as false and misleading. According to Agabe, Adepoju's involvement in the matter was limited to providing security for a court bailiff executing a judgment. The judgment in question was in Suit No. CCC/22/2015 – Col. Ogwumerum Eke & Anor. v. Chief Friday Ibeabuchi Anya & Ors.
The police command revealed that on March 6, 2025, Adepoju received an application from O. S. Obior, Esq., on behalf of Kirigust Global Resources Nig. Ltd., requesting police protection for a court bailiff to execute the judgment. The application was verified by the Police Legal Section, and the Customary Court, Choba, confirmed on March 21, 2025, that the judgment was valid and that there was no pending appeal or stay of execution.
Based on the legal advice received, police personnel were deployed on April 7 and 8, 2025, solely to provide security for the court bailiff. However, during the execution, residents of Victory Estate, Rumuosi, objected, stating that the judgment related to land in Rumuagholu Community and did not cover their property in Victory Estate, Rumuosi. Adepoju immediately halted the execution and directed the Police Legal Section to investigate the conflicting claims.
The police command further stated that Adepoju neither grabbed, acquired, nor took possession of any land belonging to Victory Estate, Rumuosi Community. The command also noted that Suit No. PHC/1467/FHR/2026, instituted by Col. Ogwumerum Eke and three others against the Nigeria Police Force and other defendants, was currently before the Rivers State High Court. The command will allow the court to determine the issues before it.
The police command warned officers against engaging in land-related matters without proper authorization and legal backing. The command reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, professionalism, impartiality, and respect for human rights. Agabe urged members of the public to verify information before circulating allegations capable of misleading the public or damaging reputations.
The Rivers State Police Command's denial of the land-grabbing allegations against Adepoju aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding the matter. The incident highlights the need for police officers to be cautious when involved in land-related disputes and to ensure that they operate within the bounds of the law.
Key points
- The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed allegations of land grabbing against Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju.
- Adepoju's involvement in the matter was limited to providing security for a court bailiff executing a judgment.
- The police command warned officers against engaging in land-related matters without proper authorization and legal backing.
