Delta Police Interrogate DCO Over Alleged N500,000 Bail Extortion

Officer Faces Query as CP Orders Refund and Release of Detained Builders

The Delta State Police Command has launched an investigation into allegations that the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Oghara Police Division collected N500,000 for the bail of two professional builders, Mr. Henry Umukoro and Mr. Godfrey Jonah.

State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed to protesting members of the “Bail is Free Campaign” that Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda has ordered both the refund of the money and the immediate release of the detained men.

Unlawful Detention Sparks Protest

The two builders had been held at the Oghara Division for several days without being granted bail. This prompted activists from the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) to stage a demonstration at the State Police Headquarters in Asaba on Monday.

ANEEJ Executive Director David Ugolor, who led the protest, revealed that Jonah was initially arrested on April 11, 2025 in connection with a mob action case. He praised the police commissioner for swiftly responding to their demands.

Police Take Disciplinary Action

“We came to Asaba to launch our Bail is Free Campaign and demand the release of these innocent Nigerians,” Ugolor stated. “The police have agreed to our requests – releasing the men and refunding the N500,000 bail money.”

SP Edafe confirmed that CP Abaniwonda has issued a query to the officer involved in the alleged extortion at Oghara Division, signaling the command’s commitment to police accountability.

Credit: Full credit to the original publisher: The Guardian