Extortion Scandal:Why Only IPO Detained in N2.5m Extortion Probe–Delta Police Command

By Robo Bare
…As ASP, DPO Redeployed Pending Administrative Review
The Delta State Police Command has exclusively explained to Ome Africa the rationale behind the detention of only one officer following allegations of a ₦2.5 million extortion involving three policemen, clarifying that established policing procedures and the complainant’s testimony guided the command’s actions.

Responding exclusively to our reporter on why only the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Constable Bright, was detained while the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Jesse division and another officer were not detained, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Bright Edafe, our reporter that the decision was consistent with the law and internal disciplinary regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to Edafe, senior officers  particularly those of the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and above cannot be detained without following strict administrative procedures.

“Okay, in policing procedure, ASP and above can only be issued a query and not detained,” Edafe stated.
“More so, the woman’s testimony indicted the IPO, Bright, alone for now because she claimed she gave the money to the said Bright.”

Allegation and Initial Findings
The extortion allegation, which surfaced earlier in the week, accused three officers attached to Jesse police division in Ethiope West LGA of Delta State of extorting ₦2.5 million from elder sister of suspects under questionable circumstances.

While public outrage followed the announcement that only one officer was detained, the police command said its preliminary investigation relied primarily on the complainant’s direct account, which identified the IPO as the sole recipient of the money.

Why the DPO Was Not Detained
The police command clarified that the redeployment of the DPO and another officer was not a shield from accountability, but a standard administrative measure to prevent interference with investigations.

Under the Police Act, 2020, and the Nigeria Police Force Disciplinary Regulations, officers of senior rank are subjected to orderly room proceedings, queries, or administrative review before further disciplinary steps can be taken.

The Act empowers the police hierarchy to:
1. Detain junior officers pending investigation where prima facie evidence exists.
2. Subject senior officers to internal disciplinary mechanisms, including queries, orderly room trials, or referral to the Police Service Commission (PSC), depending on the gravity of the offence.

Redeployment as Administrative Safeguard
Our reporter gathered that redeployment is commonly used to:
Maintain the integrity of ongoing investigations.
Prevent command influence or intimidation of witnesses.
Ensure neutrality while facts are being established.
The command stressed that redeployment does not exonerate any officer and that further action could follow if investigations establish complicity.

Police Assures Public of Transparency
Delta State Police Command PRO, Mr. Bright Edafe reaffirmed the Delta State Police Command’s commitment to accountability and urged the public to allow investigations to run their full course.

“If at any point evidence implicates other officers, appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken in line with the law,” he added.

The command also encouraged members of the public to continue reporting police misconduct, assuring that complaints would be treated with seriousness and fairness.