By Timothy John, Port Harcout

The Rivers State Police Command has denied allegations that the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, was involved in the grabbing of land belonging to residents of Victory Estate in Rumuosi Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, describing the claims as unfounded and misleading.

The command was responding to allegations raised during a protest by the Rumuosi Council of Chiefs and some community residents, who accused the police commissioner of allegedly collaborating with land speculators to dispossess them of their ancestral land. The protesters had also called on the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to investigate the matter.

In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Grace Iringe Koko Agabe, explained that the commissioner’s role was limited to approving police protection for a court bailiff carrying out the execution of a valid court judgment.

According to the statement, the application for police protection was submitted on March 6, 2025, by legal representatives of Kirigust Global Resources Nigeria Limited in connection with the execution of a judgment in Suit No. CCC/22/2015 between Col. Ogwumerum Eke and others against Chief Friday Ibeabuchi Anya and others. The request was subsequently reviewed by the Department of Operations and the Police Legal Section, while the Customary Court in Choba confirmed that the judgment was valid and not subject to any pending appeal or stay of execution.

The command stated that police personnel were deployed on April 7 and 8, 2025, strictly to provide security for the court bailiff and were expressly instructed not to participate in the execution process. However, during the exercise, residents of Victory Estate objected, insisting that the judgment related to land in Rumuagholu Community and did not extend to their properties in Rumuosi.

The statement further disclosed that upon receiving the complaints, CP Adepoju immediately suspended the execution process and directed the Police Legal Section to investigate the conflicting claims. The investigation involved meetings with all parties, visits to the disputed location, and the collection of evidence, including photographs of affected properties.

The police command maintained that the commissioner neither acquired nor took possession of any land in the area. It emphasised that his involvement was limited to facilitating security for the lawful execution of a court judgment and that he acted promptly to halt the exercise once concerns were raised by residents.

The command also revealed that the dispute is now the subject of Suit No. PHC/1467/FHR/2026, filed by Col. Ogwumerum Eke and three others against the Nigeria Police Force and other defendants before the Rivers State High Court. It noted that the matter remains before the court and that all parties should allow the judicial process to determine the issues in contention.

Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, impartiality, respect for human rights and the rule of law, the Rivers State Police Command warned officers against involvement in land related disputes without proper legal authorisation. It stressed that land disputes are civil matters and urged aggrieved persons to seek redress through the courts.

The command also called on members of the public to verify information before circulating allegations capable of misleading the public or damaging the reputation of individuals and institutions.