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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Police demote two officers over PoS extortion in Delta

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Two Delta State police officers were demoted after being found guilty of extortion via a POS terminal inside a police station.
  • An inspector was reduced to sergeant, and a corporal was demoted to constable following a viral video of the incident.
  • The state police command reiterated its prohibition of POS terminals in stations and warned against demanding money from the public.

The Delta State Police Command has demoted an inspector and a corporal for extortion and misconduct, following a viral video showing them accepting money from a motorist via a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal within a police station. The disciplinary action was confirmed by the command's Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe.

Disobedience to Lawful Order, Extortion and Discreditable Conduct

โ€” Delta State Police CommandThe offenses for which the inspector and corporal were found guilty.

Following an orderly room trial, Inspector Augustine Jeremiah was reduced in rank to sergeant, and Corporal Miracle Ehirim was demoted to constable. Both officers were found guilty of "Disobedience to Lawful Order, Extortion and Discreditable Conduct," offenses contrary to the Police Act, 2020. The incident occurred on January 13, 2026.

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu โ€œunequivocally prohibits the use of Point-of-Sale terminals and other electronic payment platforms within police stations and formations.โ€

โ€” Yemi OyeniyiCommissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi reiterating the ban on POS terminals in police stations.

Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi upheld the trial's findings and stressed the Force's strict prohibition of POS terminals and other electronic payment platforms within police stations and formations. He unequivocally warned that no officer is authorized to demand or receive money from the public under any guise.

no officer is authorised to demand or receive money from members of the public under any guise, adding that โ€œany officer found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary action.โ€

โ€” Yemi OyeniyiCommissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi warning against extortion and promising disciplinary action.

Oyeniyi stated that any officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action. He urged officers to uphold high standards of professionalism and integrity, emphasizing that the demotions should serve as a deterrent to others. The command reaffirmed its commitment to discipline, accountability, and public trust, encouraging the public to report any instances of police misconduct.

the punishment should serve as a deterrent to others.

โ€” Yemi OyeniyiCommissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi on the purpose of the disciplinary action against the officers.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.