Delta Police Launch Probe Into Officers Accused of POS Extortion at Station
The Nigeria Police Force in Delta State has ordered immediate disciplinary proceedings against two officers who stand accused of extorting money from a motorist using a point-of-sale (POS) machine inside a police station. This action comes after a viral video circulated widely, igniting significant public outrage and condemnation across the state and beyond.
Details of the Extortion Incident
The incident occurred on January 13 at the ‘C’ Division in Asaba, where the officers allegedly compelled the motorist to transfer a sum of N51,500 via a Moniepoint POS terminal within the station premises. Footage that went viral online clearly showed a uniformed officer standing beside the victim as the transaction was being processed, in what authorities have described as clear and unacceptable misconduct.
Police Response and Disciplinary Actions
Delta State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, has ordered immediate orderly room proceedings against Inspector Augustine Jeremiah and Corporal Miracle Ehirim, according to an official statement from the command. Commissioner Oyeniyi emphasized that the behavior captured in the video is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
"The outcome of the disciplinary process will be made public to ensure transparency and serve as a deterrent to other officers," Oyeniyi stated firmly. The police reiterated that the use of POS machines and other electronic payment platforms within police formations remains strictly prohibited, with the ban aimed at eliminating extortion and unauthorised financial transactions involving officers.
National Police Stance on Misconduct
At the national level, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu has maintained a zero-tolerance stance on various forms of misconduct, including extortion, illegal checkpoints, and harassment of citizens. In recent directives issued to police commands nationwide, the IGP ordered an immediate halt to routine demands for cash or electronic transfers from motorists and warned against forcing individuals to withdraw money through ATMs or POS devices.
Commissioner Oyeniyi confirmed that he had reiterated this directive during a strategic meeting with senior officers in Delta State, warning that any personnel found engaging in such practices would face strict disciplinary action without exception.
Public Cooperation and Accountability Mechanisms
The Delta command also took the opportunity to commend members of the public who recorded and shared the viral video, noting that citizen vigilance plays a crucial role in promoting accountability within law enforcement agencies. "This case highlights the importance of public cooperation in exposing misconduct and strengthening trust between the police and the communities they serve," the command stated in their official release.
The police further explained that mechanisms have been put in place to encourage citizens to report misconduct through complaint response units and dedicated communication channels. The Delta State Police Command affirmed its commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that any officer found guilty of extortion faces appropriate sanctions, which may include dismissal or prosecution where necessary.
