Delta: Police boss queries officer over alleged extortion

Delta state police commissioner, Olufemi Abaniwonda, has ordered that a query be issued to a divisional crime officer in Oghara, Ethiope West council area of the state, for allegedly extorting a huge sum of money from two suspects.

The amount has, however, been returned to the suspects who have been released from police custody.

The police action followed a meeting between the commissioner of police and representatives of civil society organisations who led a protest to the command’s headquarters in Asaba on Monday demanding the immediate release of the suspects, one Henry Umukoro and Mr. Godfrey Jonah who were arrested in Oghara on April 11, 2025 in connection with a mob attack.

Leader of the group and Executive Director of African Network for Environmental and Economic Justice
Rev. David Ugolor commended the police for the action, saying, “This is a demonstration of commitment to what we stand for that bail is free.

“And again, we also recognize the fact that the police cooperated without any violence, and we are very happy to say that we will continue to work closely with them to ensure that bail is free.

The group under the aegis of the “Bail is Free Campaign” Delta State Chapter had asked relevant authorities, including the Inspector General of Police, National Human Rights Commission, to intervene and ensure that the two suspects were released.

In a press statement earlier made available to newsmen, Rev Ugolor said:

“We are gathered here today under the banner of justice and rule of law, to address a matter of grave concern and constitutional importance; the unlawful arrest, harassment, and continued detention of Umukoro and Jonah.

” Godfrey was arrested in connection with a mob action against an individual suspected of theft.

“On his part, Umukoro, moved by a sense of civic responsibility and concern, approached the station to secure bail for his colleague, but he was also arrested and detained without credible evidence linking him to the alleged crime.

“However, both men were initially granted bail after two days following the payment of N500,000 allegedly collected by the DCO of Oghara Division.

” Yet, on April 18, the duo were rearrested without court order, and subsequently transferred to the State Police Command Headquarters, Asaba. As we speak, they remain in detention.”

Ugholor said the continued detention was an abuse of power and blatant violation of the Nigerian Constitution and the fundamental human rights guaranteed to every citizen.

“The Bail is Free Campaign is appalled by this continued lawlessness and impunity. We demand immediate and unconditional release of Umukoro and Jonah.

An independent, transparent investigation into the conduct of all officers involved in this abuse of power. Disciplinary and legal action against any officer found culpable.”

The group called on the Inspector General of Police, National Human Rights Commission, and all relevant bodies to take action to forestall further abuse.

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