The Rivers State Police Command has denied allegations that the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, was involved in the alleged grabbing of ancestral land belonging to residents of Victory Estate, Rumuosi, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

The command described the allegation as false and misleading in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday by its spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe.

The statement followed a protest by the Rumuosi Council of Chiefs and residents, who accused the police commissioner of allegedly working with land grabbers to dispossess them of their property. The protesters had also called on the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to investigate the matter.

According to the police, Adepoju’s involvement was limited to providing security for a court bailiff who was carrying out a judgment.

The command said the commissioner received an application on March 6, 2025, from lawyer O. S. Obior, on behalf of Kirigust Global Resources Nigeria Limited, requesting police protection for the bailiff to execute a judgment in Suit No. CCC/22/2015, involving Col. Ogwumerum Eke, Chief Friday Ibeabuchi Anya and others.

It said the request was forwarded to the Department of Operations and later to the Police Legal Section for verification.

The Customary Court, Choba, subsequently confirmed on March 21, 2025, that the judgment was valid and that there was no pending appeal or order stopping its execution, according to the command.

Following the legal advice, police personnel were deployed on April 7 and 8, 2025, solely to provide security for the bailiff.

The command said the officers were specifically instructed not to take part in the execution of the judgment.

However, the execution was reportedly opposed by residents of Victory Estate, Rumuosi, who argued that although they did not challenge the validity of the judgment, it concerned land in Rumuagholu Community and did not cover their property in Victory Estate.

The police said Adepoju subsequently stopped the execution and directed the Police Legal Section to investigate the competing claims.

The command said all relevant parties were invited to present their positions, while officers visited the disputed location and documented damaged properties with photographs.

It therefore maintained that Adepoju did not acquire, take possession of or facilitate the grabbing of any land belonging to residents of Victory Estate.

The command added that a separate suit, No. PHC/1467/FHR/2026, filed by Col. Ogwumerum Eke and three others against the Nigeria Police Force and other defendants, was pending before the Rivers State High Court.

It said the police would allow the court to determine the issues involved in the dispute.

The command also warned police officers in the state against participating in land-related matters without appropriate authorisation and legal backing.

It reiterated that land disputes are civil matters and advised aggrieved parties to seek redress through the courts.

The police further reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, professionalism, impartiality and respect for human rights, while urging members of the public to verify allegations before sharing them publicly.