The Delta State Police Command has been thrown into turmoil following serious allegations of extortion against officers of the Jesse Police Division, prompting the Commissioner of Police to order an immediate investigation and remove the Divisional Police Officer from his post.
Viral Video Triggers Public Outcry and Police Action
The controversy erupted after a video went viral on social media, featuring a woman who accused policemen from the Jesse Division of demanding the sum of ₦2.5 million from her. She alleged the money was a condition for the release of her detained brother. In the footage, she specifically named a police constable identified as Bright, an officer called Usman, and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jesse as the perpetrators of the extortion scheme.
Responding to the public uproar, the Command's spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the police were aware of the video. He stated that preliminary investigations traced the incident back to an arrest made on January 1, 2026. According to the police account, suspects were initially apprehended by the youth leader of the Jesse community before being handed over to the police.
Police Account of the Arrest and Alleged Extortion
One of those arrested was a 20-year-old man named Israel Onojeruo, who is the brother of the woman seen in the viral video. The police stated that Onojeruo's arrest followed a confession by another suspect, Okoro Desmond, who allegedly admitted to selling a firearm to him. All suspects were subsequently transferred to the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU) for further investigation.
Despite providing this background, the police command acknowledged the gravity of the extortion claims. The Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, took swift action by directing the Command's Anti-Corruption unit, known as the X-Squad, to commence a full-scale probe into the allegations.
Disciplinary Measures and Zero-Tolerance Stance
As part of the immediate disciplinary response, the constable named Bright in the viral video has been detained at the State Police Headquarters. In a more significant move, the DPO of the Jesse Division has been removed from his position and redeployed to the Command Headquarters pending the outcome of the investigation.
Police authorities revealed that the DPO's removal was not based solely on this single incident. It was also informed by a series of previous complaints from multiple quarters alleging extortion and unprofessional conduct under his watch.
The Command emphasized that these actions reflect its zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and abuse of power. CP Adesola assured the public that any officer found culpable would face decisive sanctions in line with the Police Act and existing regulations. He reiterated that his leadership would not condone extortion, intimidation, incivility, or any form of unprofessional behavior, as such acts destroy public trust and hinder effective policing.
The Commissioner also encouraged members of the public to report any misconduct by police officers through the Command's Complaint Response Unit, providing the following dedicated phone lines: 09011112311, 09155570008, 09064308018, and 09066575187.
