Rivers CP Cleared: Police Blast Land Grab Claims as Pure Fiction

The Rivers State Police Command has shut down allegations that its Commissioner, Olugbenga Adepoju, was involved in land grabbing. The command called the claims false, misleading, and a total distortion of facts.

The drama started after the Rumuosi Council of Chiefs and residents hit the streets in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. They accused the CP of teaming up with land grabbers to snatch their ancestral land at Victory Estate. They even dragged the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, into it, demanding a full investigation.

What Really Happened at Victory Estate, Rumuosi?

In a statement released in Port Harcourt on Monday, the command's spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, broke it down. Adepoju's role, she said, was simply to provide security for a court bailiff executing a valid judgment. Nothing more, nothing less.

The statement, titled Re: Grabbing of Land of Victory Estate Land at Rumuosi, didn't mince words:

“The Command categorically dismisses the allegation as false and misleading and wishes to set the record straight by providing the accurate facts and clarifying the circumstances surrounding the matter.”

The Legal Trail: How the Police Got Involved

Here's the timeline. On March 6, 2025, a lawyer named O. S. Obior, Esq., representing Kirigust Global Resources Nig. Ltd., applied for police protection. The goal? To help a court bailiff execute a judgment in Suit No. CCC/22/2015, which involved Col. Ogwumerum Eke and others against Chief Friday Ibeabuchi Anya and others.

The request went through proper channels. The Department of Operations and the Police Legal Section vetted it. The Customary Court, Choba, confirmed on March 21, 2025, that the judgment was valid with no pending appeal or stay of execution.

Based on that legal green light, police officers were deployed on April 7 and 8, 2025. But here's the key: they were strictly ordered to provide security only. They were told not to participate physically in the execution.

When the Community Objected, the CP Acted

Things got interesting when residents of Victory Estate pushed back. They didn't dispute the judgment itself. Their argument? The judgment covered land in Rumuagholu Community, not their property in Victory Estate, Rumuosi.

And this is where Adepoju showed leadership. He immediately halted the execution and ordered the Police Legal Section to dig into the conflicting claims. All parties were invited to state their case. The disputed location was inspected. Photographs of damaged properties were taken.

The command was crystal clear:

“CP Olugbenga Adepoju neither grabbed, acquired, nor took possession of any land belonging to Victory Estate, Rumuosi Community.”

What's Next in Court?

The matter isn't over. Suit No. PHC/1467/FHR/2026, filed by Col. Ogwumerum Eke and three others against the Nigeria Police Force and other defendants, is now before the Rivers State High Court. The command says it will let the court do its job and determine the issues.

Police Warning: No More Land Duties Without Legal Backing

The command also dropped a strong warning to its own officers. No officer in Rivers State should go to any land to guard, enforce, or execute any land-related matter without proper authorisation and legal backing. Land matters are civil, and aggrieved parties should seek redress in court.

Agabe reaffirmed the command's commitment to the rule of law, professionalism, impartiality, and respect for human rights. She urged the public to verify information before circulating allegations that could mislead people or damage reputations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the Rivers State Commissioner of Police involved in land grabbing?

No. The Rivers State Police Command has categorically denied the allegations. It says CP Olugbenga Adepoju's involvement was limited to providing security for a court bailiff executing a verified court judgment.

Why did the police halt the execution at Victory Estate?

Residents objected, claiming the judgment covered land in Rumuagholu Community, not Victory Estate. The Commissioner immediately halted the execution and ordered an investigation, which confirmed the judgment did not cover the disputed property.

What is the current legal status of the matter?

Suit No. PHC/1467/FHR/2026 is currently before the Rivers State High Court. The police command says it will allow the court to determine the issues.