PETITION FOR THE IMMEDIATE REMOVAL AND INVESTIGATION OF DCP ALANI ADEGOKE, HEAD OF SCID, DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND, OVER ALLEGED ABUSE OF OFFICE, INTIMIDATION, AND CONDUCT UNBECOMING OF A SENIOR POLICE OFFICER
To:
The Inspector General of Police,
Nigeria Police Force Headquarters,
Abuja, Nigeria
The Chairman,
Police Service Commission
Abuja, Nigeria
The Chairman,
Code of Conduct Bureau
Abuja, Nigeria
Copies to:
His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State – Sheriff Oborevwori,
The Director, Department of State Services Delta State Command,Asaba
PETITION
I respectfully write to bring to the attention of the relevant authorities a matter of serious concern regarding the conduct of DCP Alani Adegoke, the officer currently heading the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Delta State Police Command Headquarters, Asaba.
The conduct displayed by this officer raises grave questions about professionalism, respect for citizens, and the responsible use of police authority expected of a senior officer in such a sensitive position.
INCIDENT OF 10TH MARCH 2026
On 10th March 2026, DCP Alani Adegoke personally contacted me by telephone in relation to a matter concerning tenants at Robinson Plaza, Deco Road, Warri. During this conversation, rather than engage in a professional and respectful discussion, the officer allegedly subjected me to verbal abuse and intimidation.
The matter in question involved tenants associated with the property of the late businessman Kenneth Gbagi, who occupy stores within Robinson Plaza. My position was that the police should allow the traders to open their stores and continue their lawful businesses without molestation or intimidation from any individual or group. Issues relating to the recovery of rents are civil matters that should properly be addressed through the courts of law. If Mr. Emuoboh Gbagi and his mother, Mrs. Evelyn Turner, have any claims regarding outstanding rents, they should approach a competent court for redress rather than resort to intimidation or the use of thugs.
The role of the police in this situation should be limited to maintaining law and order and protecting the traders and their businesses within Robinson Plaza. However, DCP Alani Adegoke reacted aggressively in and rained abuses on me simply because I advised that the police should focus on maintaining peace in the plaza by allowing the tenants to reopen their stores and conduct their businesses.
Furthermore, the police have a duty to protect the traders at Robinson Plaza from harm and intimidation by persons believed to have been engaged as thugs by Mr. Emuoboh Gbagi and his mother, Mrs. Evelyn Turner. Reports indicate that some traders were assaulted and injured during these incidents. Those responsible for beating and injuring the traders should be properly investigated and, where evidence exists, charged in accordance with the law.
Such behaviour from a senior police officer is deeply troubling and inconsistent with the expected standards of discipline and professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force.
ABUSE OF OFFICE AND INTIMIDATION
During the conversation, DCP Adegoke threatened the use of police power, including the possibility of arrest, simply because I expressed a differing opinion regarding the matter.
It is unacceptable for any police officer—particularly one occupying the position of Deputy Commissioner of Police and Head of SCID—to deploy intimidation or threats against citizens who merely express their views or seek lawful resolution of disputes.
If left unchecked, this pattern of behaviour risks undermining public confidence in the police institution and could lead to further abuse of authority.
CLAIMS OF UNTOUCHABILITY
It is also deeply concerning that the officer reportedly boasted that he is untouchable because the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in Delta State are from the same ethnic background as himself. Such statements, if truly made, are dangerous because they suggest that internal accountability mechanisms within the police may be compromised.
The Nigeria Police Force is a national institution serving all Nigerians irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation. No officer should create the impression that tribal affiliation grants immunity from accountability of police officers.
CONCERNS ABOUT PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
The behaviour displayed by DCP Adegoke raises concerns regarding:
1. Abuse of official authority
2. Intimidation of citizens
3. Conduct unbecoming of a senior police officer
4. Possible misuse of police influence in a civil dispute
These actions are inconsistent with the principles of fairness, professionalism, and neutrality that should guide the operations of the State Criminal Investigation Department.
REQUEST FOR URGENT INTERVENTION
In light of the above, I respectfully request the following actions:
1. Immediate investigation into the conduct of DCP Alani Adegoke regarding the events of 10th March 2026.
2. Administrative review of his continued posting as Head of SCID, Delta State Police Command.
3. Appropriate disciplinary action, if the allegations are confirmed.
4. A directive reminding all officers of the Nigeria Police Force that police authority must not be used to intimidate citizens or interfere improperly in civil matters.
The Nigeria Police Force plays a vital role in maintaining peace, justice, and the rule of law in our society. For this reason, officers occupying senior leadership positions must demonstrate the highest levels of maturity, professionalism, and restraint in their dealings with members of the public.
The alleged conduct of DCP Alani Adegoke falls short of these expectations and therefore requires urgent attention from the relevant authorities to prevent further erosion of public trust.
I trust that this petition will receive the prompt and serious attention it deserves in the interest of justice, accountability, and public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
Yours faithfully,
Zik Gbemre
March 10, 2026
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