Rivers State Police Commissioner Apologizes for Journalist Assault, Removes DPO Over Protest Incident

The Commissioner of Police for Rivers State, Adewale Adepoju, has issued a formal apology and confirmed the removal of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the Abali Park area in Port Harcourt, following the reported assault on journalists during the #TakeItBackProtest held on April 7, 2025. The decision comes after widespread public condemnation and demands for accountability over the incident.

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During a courtesy visit to the Rivers State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Friday, Commissioner Adepoju expressed deep regret over the actions of his officers and reaffirmed the police command’s commitment to maintaining a respectful and collaborative relationship with the media.

DPO Removed, Officers Under Investigation

Addressing members of the NUJ, Adepoju stated that the DPO on duty during the protest had been removed the same day of the incident, and several officers involved are currently under investigation. The police chief acknowledged that while officers claimed they acted to prevent disorder during the protest, no credible evidence was presented to justify the force used against journalists.

“I leaned there was an issue in which some journalists were smoked and embarrassed, and I was not happy about it,” he said. “When I went to find out what happened, the allegation was that there was a crowd, the road was barricaded, and bottles were being thrown. But I saw no proof. The only pictures I saw were of people being smoked.”

One officer reportedly caught on camera firing at civilians is now in detention, and others involved are facing internal investigations. Commissioner Adepoju emphasized that the police must be held accountable, particularly when their actions undermine public trust.

Commissioner Vows to Protect Media Freedom

The police commissioner stressed that such incidents should never occur, noting the critical role journalists play in society and in upholding democracy.

“We’ve been working together well. We also know the adage, ‘The pen is mightier than the sword.’ You’ve been very helpful. I don’t see any reason why we have to be confronting ourselves,” he said. “We’re not supposed to be found in such situations. If there’s any reason to act, there must be clear evidence. Our job is to protect people, not to attack them.”

While he expressed hope that such behavior will not repeat itself, Adepoju added that any officer who disregards this directive in the future would be dealt with severely.

NUJ Demands Written Apologies and Justice

In response, the NUJ Chairman in Rivers State, Paul Bazia, commended Commissioner Adepoju for the swift action taken but called for further steps to ensure justice is served. Bazia demanded that individual apologies be issued to the journalists affected, as well as to the media organizations they represent.

“Our simple request is that you identify some of those officers, especially the ones we saw in the videos. Like you have done to the DPO, we appreciate that,” Bazia said. “We want those particular officers that harassed Channels TV correspondent to be punished. That will serve as a deterrent.”

He stressed the importance of accountability, urging the police to maintain professionalism and avoid confrontational approaches when dealing with civilians, particularly media practitioners.

The apology visit and the disciplinary measures mark a significant step toward rebuilding trust between the police and journalists in Rivers State. As the investigation continues, the NUJ and other stakeholders await the outcome, hoping it sets a precedent for greater protection of press freedom and responsible policing in Nigeria.