Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Delta State Police Command has launched an internal investigation and taken swift administrative action after allegations emerged that police officers extorted ₦2.5 million from a woman who claimed the payment was demanded in exchange for the release of her brother from custody. The development has drawn public attention to concerns about professional conduct and accountability within the force.
According to a statement issued by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the command was alerted to the alleged extortion following widespread sharing of a video recording in which a woman said that three officers — including the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jesse in Ethiope East Local Government Area and two junior officers identified as Bright and Usman — demanded the sum of ₦2,500,000. The woman said the money was sought with the promise that her 20‑year‑old brother, who was in police custody, would be freed.
The situation reportedly stems from an incident on 1 January 2026, when community members brought suspects, including the woman’s younger brother, to the Jesse police station. They were later transferred to the State Anti‑Cult Unit (SACU) for further investigation. It was after this transfer that the alleged extortion occurred, according to the complaint that accompanied the viral video.
In response to the allegations, Delta State Commissioner of Police CP Aina Adesola ordered the immediate redeployment of the Jesse DPO to the command headquarters, removing him from his divisional command while the inquiry is ongoing. The constable identified as Bright in the viral recording has been detained at the state police headquarters, and an Assistant Commissioner of Police‑led X‑Squad unit has been directed to carry out a detailed investigation.
The police statement noted that the DPO’s redeployment came not only in reaction to the specific allegation but also following multiple complaints of extortion and unprofessional behaviour involving the officer. CP Adesola emphasised that the command will take firm action should the investigation confirm any misconduct, stating that officers found in violation of professional standards would be dealt with in accordance with applicable laws and police regulations.
In his public reassurance, the Commissioner stressed that the Delta Police Command “will not tolerate any form of extortion, intimidation, incivility to members of the public, or unprofessionalism from officers in the command.” The statement also included contact details for the Command Complaint Response Unit, encouraging citizens to report incidents of alleged police misconduct for prompt attention.
The probe adds to ongoing discussions about policing practices and public trust in law‑enforcement institutions across Nigeria. Calls for transparency and accountability have grown louder as citizens and rights groups highlight the importance of safeguarding citizens’ rights while ensuring fair and lawful conduct by security officials.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments