Delta Police Demote Two Officers Over Extortion Captured in Viral POS Video

The Delta State Police Command has demoted two officers after they were found guilty of extortion and other disciplinary offences arising from a viral video that showed them receiving money from a motorist through a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal inside a police station.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, confirming that the disciplinary action followed the conclusion of an orderly room trial.

According to the statement, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, upheld the findings of the trial involving Inspector Augustine Jeremiah and Corporal Miracle Ehirim, both attached to 'C' Division, Asaba.

The officers were captured in a viral video receiving money from a motorist through a POS terminal within the police station on January 13, an incident that sparked widespread public outrage.

Edafe said the officers were found guilty of disobedience to lawful order, extortion and discreditable conduct, contrary to the provisions of the Police Act, 2020.

Following the verdict, the Commissioner of Police approved their reduction in rank. Inspector Augustine Jeremiah was demoted to the rank of Sergeant, while Corporal Miracle Ehirim was reduced to the rank of Constable.

CP Oyeniyi reiterated the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Olatunji Disu's, zero-tolerance policy against extortion, corruption and other forms of professional misconduct within the Nigeria Police Force.

He stressed that the Inspector-General has expressly prohibited the use of POS terminals and other electronic payment platforms in police stations and formations nationwide.

The Commissioner warned that no police officer is authorised to demand or receive money from members of the public under any guise, adding that any personnel found engaging in such misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary sanctions.

He urged officers and men of the command to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and respect for the fundamental rights of citizens in the discharge of their duties.

According to him, the disciplinary measures imposed on the two officers should serve as a strong deterrent to other personnel and reaffirm the command's commitment to accountability, discipline and restoring public confidence in the police.

The Commissioner also encouraged members of the public to continue reporting cases of police misconduct through the Command's Complaint Response Unit on 09155570008 and 09011112311.