DPO Sacked After Officers Assaulted Journalists
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the Abali Park area in Port Harcourt has been removed from office following the assault of journalists by officers of the Rivers State Police Command during the #TakeItBack protest on Monday, April 7, 2025.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Adewale Adepoju, announced the removal during a courtesy visit to the Rivers State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Friday. The visit was part of efforts to mend relations with the media after the incident.
“I learned that some journalists were smoked and embarrassed. I wasn’t happy when I heard it, and I saw that the NUJ wasn’t happy either. We’ve always worked well with the media — you’re our partners, and the pen is mightier than the sword,” Adepoju said.
While explaining that his men were deployed to maintain peace and prevent criminals from hijacking the protest, the CP admitted that the officers involved failed to justify their actions. “The DPO on ground that day couldn’t provide any proof that the protesters blocked roads or posed any threat. All I saw were images of people being smoked,” he added.
He confirmed that one officer seen firing at civilians is already in detention, and others are under investigation. “I’ve warned them and directed the immediate removal of the DPO that same day. Those found guilty will face the consequences,” Adepoju assured.
The CP also apologized to the union and the assaulted journalists, promising that such misconduct would not be tolerated. “There’s no reason for us to be confronting each other. If there’s a need for force, it must be justified and evidence-based.”
In his response, NUJ Chairman in Rivers State, Paul Bazia, praised the commissioner for taking swift action but stressed that justice must be fully served.
“We want those officers involved, especially those caught on camera, to be identified and punished. And beyond that, we want written apologies sent to the affected journalists and their media houses,” Bazia said.
He urged the police to ensure such incidents do not reoccur, to maintain the long-standing peaceful relationship between the police and the press.
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