Allegations of Police Extortion in Delta State

Mrs. Gladys Ubogu Okeoghene from Afiesere town in Ughelli, Delta State has raised serious allegations against the Nigeria Police Force. She claims that officers investigating her stolen vehicle case engaged in extortion and abuse of their authority.

In her complaint to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in Benin, Edo State, Mrs. Okeoghene details that her troubles began in 2022 when she entrusted her two cars, a GLK 350 and a C400, to a mechanic named Mr. Solomon David Orshieda for repairs. She later found out that Orshieda had sold the vehicles and fled to Kenya.

In October 2024, when she sought help from the Ughelli Area Command, an Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Ebinum Odiri Oghenerukevwe, was assigned to her case. She reports that he demanded N2,186,000 for “office movement” and a “tracking fee” to recover the stolen cars. After paying this sum, only the GLK 350 was returned, with additional fees requested for the C400’s release, which remains with the police.

Moreover, Mrs. Okeoghene claims that she was not aware when bail was granted to the suspects, including the mechanic, and accuses the IPO of threatening her while withholding her recovered vehicle.

In her petition, she wrote: “I am bringing to your attention a concerning case of police extortion and misconduct regarding the recovery of my stolen vehicles.”

She recounted, “After my cars were stolen in 2022, I contacted the police in October 2024, only to be asked for a large sum for their recovery. Despite this payment, one vehicle was not returned, and the police demanded more money. I was also not consulted when the suspects received bail, and the IPO has been intimidating me, all while my car is still held by the police. I request urgent action to rectify this situation and ensure accountability.”

The petition was also sent to the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) and the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights in Nigeria.

In response to Mrs. Okeoghene’s claims, Delta State Police Command’s spokesman, SP Edafe Bright, clarified that both vehicles were initially returned to her. He explained that the police intervened again after someone presented evidence that they had legally purchased the vehicles from her son. Bright stated, “We launched an investigation when she reported them stolen, which led to their recovery.”

He continued, “After the cars were returned, the buyer, with proof of purchase from her son, came forward. When we brought this to Mrs. Okeoghene’s attention, she and her son suddenly disappeared and have avoided returning to the Area Command.”