Ogun police dare Assembly over extortion allegation against DPO

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NIGERIA: THE Ogun State Police Command has kicked against the decision of the state House of Assembly to probe a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) over allegation of extortion leveled against him.

Following a submission by the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Honorable Mafe Adeyinka, over the allegation, the House ordered the probe of the DPO in charge of Sagamu, Mr. John Mark.

The legislator had alleged before his fellow colleagues that Mark had been perpetrating large scale corruption and demanding huge sum of money before granting bail to accused persons.
But the state command kicked against the move, saying that Adeyinka, who brought the allegation, had no moral rights to do so.

The police specifically said that the lawmaker was a known suspect in many cases being investigated by the command.

After Adeyinka leveled his allegation against the DPO at the plenary session, the Speaker, Suraj Adekunbi, ordered the probe of the police chief.

He also urged the Police Commissioner, Abdulmajid Ali, to look into the matter to avoid breakdown of law and order in the community.
But the police command, in a swift reaction to the development, rejected the decision, arguing that the legislator “does not have moral rights to raise the allegations against the DPO at the Ogun Assembly Chamber.”

The Command Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, stated that the lawmaker wanted to use his official status to “demystify” and “intimidate” its officer while maintaining that the command cannot be stampeded.
Adejobi said: “Nobody can stampede or intimidate the Command in the course of carrying out its constitutional roles. There is the need for us to step up investigations concerning many cases involving Mafe.”
The police image maker said that Mark remains one of the best and competent officers in the command, adding that if the allegation came from another person or group of persons in Sagamu, the command would not have taken it serious.

Adejobi explained that due to what was known about the lawmaker, the command cannot ignore the allegation.

Adeyinka, who represents Sagamu 1 Constituency, had alleged that Mark was not only extorting money from the people, but that he was in the habit of engaging in unlawful arrest of people within the area.
“I want to tell you that the people of Sagamu are ready to stage a protest,” the lawmaker told his colleagues.  “The matter has been reported to the police command, but nothing has been done.” He stressed: “This same DPO walked out a first class Oba from his office.  Immediately he assumed office as the DPO of Sagamu Division, he withdrew the security details of a former governor.  He should be removed before the situation gets out of hand.”
The Speaker, in his remark, commended Adeyinka for bringing the issue to the attention of the House, while advising that the people should remain calm and maintain peace.
“I appreciate the member for bringing this issue before the house,” Adekambi said, while adding: “It is a very serious allegation and I want to urge the people to remain calm.”

He stressed: “The House of Assembly will not relent in its efforts at ensuring peace across the state. The House has been enjoying good relationship with the police.
“I want the Commissioner of Police to look into the matter before it will degenerate into breakdown of law and order. I will also put in my personal effort to put an end to such misbehavior.”