Delta Police Command Debunks Allegations of Extortion by Warri DPO
ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has refuted allegations of extortion involving the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of ‘B’ Division, Warri. The claims, which surfaced online and on social media, alleged that a suspect, Godstime Edesiri, was unlawfully detained and forced to pay ₦240,000 for bail.
In a press statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, the command labeled the allegations as false and misleading. The statement clarified that the suspect was lawfully arrested and charged with conspiracy and theft.
According to the police, the incident originated on October 28, 2024, when a woman, identified as Mrs. Helen Ogodogun, reported the theft of her Samsung Galaxy A05s phone, valued at ₦165,000, while she was in transit. She also discovered that ₦240,000 had been fraudulently transferred from her bank account via USSD to purchase airtime.
The police extended their investigation to the bank and obtained the account details and phone number associated with the unauthorized transaction. Their efforts led to the arrest of Godstime Edesiri on December 3, 2024. Investigators found the SIM card used for the illicit transaction in the suspect’s possession.
The suspect reportedly proposed an out-of-court settlement with the complainant, which was declined. On January 14, 2025, Edesiri was arraigned in court on charges of conspiracy and theft and subsequently remanded in Okere Prison, Warri.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, urged human rights activists and journalists to verify information through the Police Public Relations Office before disseminating reports to avoid spreading falsehoods.
SP Edafe Bright reiterated the command’s commitment to transparency and justice, emphasizing that the police will not tolerate any attempt to mislead the public or undermine their credibility.
