Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Asaba, Delta State — The Nigeria Police Force has taken the unusual step of summoning a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the GRA Police Station in Asaba to answer questions over allegations of extortion and intimidation involving a man who tried to help a stranger in distress. The development has sparked public outrage and renewed debate about professionalism and conduct within the force.
The summon follows a detailed public complaint by Tomi Akporoghene Wojuola, who shared his experience in a Facebook post that quickly drew nationwide attention. Wojuola recounted rushing to assist a man who had collapsed in the street earlier this year and transporting him to a hospital after consulting with a medical doctor. He said the man died on arrival at the hospital, but that his decision to intervene — motivated purely by compassion — would set off a troubling chain of events.
According to Wojuola’s account, when he reported the death to officers at the GRA Police Station as protocol required, he was met with shock and hostility rather than support. He said he was accused of murder despite having no relationship with the deceased, and his statement was taken under caution. Wojuola alleged that the DPO, identified as CSP Joseph Udoh, threatened him verbally, saying he would be “dealt with” for acting like a Good Samaritan. The officer allegedly told him that after the ordeal, he would think twice about helping another person in need.
Wojuola’s narrative goes further. He claimed his ordeal only eased after a senior government official intervened and secured his release, and that the murder accusation was subsequently dropped. However, he alleged that even after being freed, police officers emptied his bank account on the pretext of bail, leaving him with just ₦2,000.
The widely shared post has resonated with many Nigerians, prompting intense discussions on social media about the risks of intervening in emergencies and the conduct of law enforcement officers. Critics say the incident underscores a broader culture of abuse of authority, which they argue discourages citizens from acting altruistically and fuels mistrust between the public and security agencies.
In response to the allegations, the Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU) confirmed that the DPO has been summoned to appear before senior police officials at the Force Headquarters in Abuja for questioning. The unit’s statement, shared on X, reiterated the force’s commitment to accountability and declared that no officer is above scrutiny. “The Divisional Police Officer, GRA Asaba, #DeltaPoliceNG has been summoned and will be in Police Force Headquarters Abuja for questioning concerning this complaint by next week. Thank you for contacting NPF-CRU. #NoToImpunity,” the post said.
The incident has added to a list of publicised cases where police actions or alleged misconduct have come under scrutiny across Nigeria. In past months, individual officers and entire units have been summoned or disciplined for various forms of extortion and unprofessional behaviour, including the summoning of officers in Benin City over an extortion video that circulated on social media.
Delta State, where this latest complaint arose, has also seen other policing challenges in recent months, including operations against criminal elements and organized syndicates. In a separate development late last year, the Delta State Police Command reported the arrest of hundreds of suspects linked to serious crimes, underlining the region’s complex security landscape.
Community leaders and civil society advocates have seized on the Asaba incident to call for strengthened mechanisms to protect citizens who intervene in emergencies and to ensure that law enforcement officers uphold their duty without intimidation or abuse. Some human rights campaigners argue that clear protocols and public education on the rights and responsibilities of both police and civilians could help build trust and remove disincentives for good-intent actions.
At the heart of the debate is a broader question about public confidence in policing. While the Nigeria Police Force regularly highlights efforts to combat crime and maintain public order, episodes like this — particularly where alleged misconduct intersects with acts of compassion — tend to attract widespread attention and criticism. Observers suggest that transparent investigations and appropriate disciplinary measures will be key to restoring faith in law enforcement institutions.
As the summoned DPO prepares to answer questions at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, many Nigerians will be watching closely. The outcomes of this inquiry could have implications beyond this single case, potentially influencing perceptions of police accountability and reinforcing expectations for ethical conduct in the discharge of duties.
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