The Delta State Police Command has refuted allegations of extortion involving N240,000 by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of ‘B’ Division, Warri.
In a press release dated 14th January 2025, the Command described the claims as “false and misleading,” providing clarification on the incident.
The allegations, circulated by Comrade Peter Edariese, accused the DPO and officers of arresting one Godstime Edesiri over an undisclosed crime and demand for N240,000 for his release.
The Police, however, detailed the events leading to the arrest.
On 28th October 2024, Mrs Helen Ogodogun reported the theft of her Samsung Galaxy A05s phone, valued at One Hundred and Sixty-Five Thousand Naira, along with the fraudulent transfer of N240,000 from her bank account via USSD.
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Investigations traced the transaction to a phone number linked to Mr Edesiri, who was apprehended on 3rd December 2024.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bright Edafe, Mr Edesiri sought an out-of-court settlement but was eventually charged with conspiracy and stealing.
He was arraigned in court on 14th January 2025 and remanded in Okere Prison, Warri.
He quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, as urging human rights activists and journalists to verify information with the PPRO before making public statements to avoid misleading the public.
The statement concluded with a call for responsible reporting to maintain public trust and confidence in law enforcement.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE