Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Asaba, Nigeria — The Delta State Police Command has taken decisive action against a senior officer following widespread public outrage over the alleged mistreatment of a man who intervened to help a dying stranger. Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Joseph Udoh, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the GRA Police Station in Asaba, has been removed from his position and sanctioned after a viral social media post accused him and other officers of falsely accusing a good Samaritan of murder and threatening him unjustly.
The controversy erupted late last year when Tomi Wojuola, the man at the centre of the incident, shared a detailed account of his ordeal on Facebook. According to Wojuola, he had stopped to assist a man who had collapsed on the roadside and rushed him to a nearby hospital, where the patient later died. Instead of being commended for his actions, he claimed that police at the station “accused” him of murder when he went to report the incident and was treated with intimidation. Wojuola alleged that CSP Udoh even told him that once the matter was resolved, he should avoid helping people in similar situations in the future — a remark that shocked many observers.
The case drew sharp condemnation from Nigerians online and offline, with many describing the treatment of Wojuola — a citizen who acted in good faith — as a miscarriage of justice and unprofessional policing. The public outcry prompted an internal review by the Delta State Command, which confirmed that actions taken by the DPO and his team were not in keeping with professional standards. In response, authorities removed CSP Joseph Udoh from his DPO post, sanctioned him, and refunded the money allegedly taken from the victim’s account during the episode.
The refund and dismissal were communicated by Delta State Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe, who noted that the police force does not endorse intimidation, extortion or harassment of citizens acting in good faith. Edafe’s statement emphasised that the command had contacted the affected individual, returned the allegedly extorted funds, and punished the officers involved.
Details of the specific sanctions imposed on the dismissed DPO have not been fully disclosed, but the command’s actions represent a notable step in addressing concerns about police conduct. Civil society groups and rights advocates have welcomed the decision, though some commentators have argued that the measures should go further to include prosecution or dismissal from the force to set a stronger precedent.
The incident underscores ongoing challenges within Nigerian policing — particularly allegations of extortion and unwarranted criminal accusations against well-intentioned citizens. Recent discussions between police officials and stakeholders emphasise a renewed push for accountability and professionalism within the force, with the new Delta State Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, stressing that human rights violations, abuse of office and extortion will not be tolerated. He has urged officers to demonstrate discipline, respect for the public and adherence to ethical standards.
For many in Delta State and beyond, the resolution of this case — including the removal and sanction of a senior officer and the restitution of allegedly misappropriated funds — marks an important moment in the broader effort to rebuild public trust in law enforcement. It also highlights the power of public accountability and social media in bringing alleged misconduct to light and prompting institutional action.
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