The Delta State Police Command has demoted two officers after they were found guilty of extorting a motorist through a Point-of-Sale terminal inside a police station in Asaba.
The officers, Inspector Augustine Jeremiah and Corporal Miracle Ehirim of the ‘C’ Division, Asaba, were sanctioned following the conclusion of an orderly room trial over the incident, which occurred on January 13, 2026, and was captured in a viral video.
The disciplinary action was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Yemi Oyeniyi, upheld the findings of the orderly room proceedings, which found the officers guilty of disobedience to lawful order, extortion and discreditable conduct in violation of the Police Act, 2020.
As part of the punishment, Inspector Jeremiah was reduced in rank to Sergeant, while Corporal Ehirim was demoted to Constable.
“The Commissioner of Police consequently upheld their punishment of reduction in rank, with Inspector Augustine Jeremiah reduced to Sergeant and Corporal Miracle Ehirim reduced to Constable,” the statement read.
The Commissioner reiterated the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Rilwan Disu’s, zero-tolerance policy against extortion and other forms of professional misconduct.
He stressed that the IGP had prohibited the use of Point-of-Sale terminals and other electronic payment platforms in police stations and formations nationwide.
Oyeniyi warned that no police officer was authorised to demand or receive money from members of the public under any guise, adding that any personnel found culpable would face disciplinary action.
He urged officers and men of the command to uphold professionalism, integrity and respect for the rights of citizens, noting that the sanctions imposed on the two officers should serve as a deterrent to others.
