The Delta State Police Command has ordered the summary trial of two officers captured in a viral video allegedly collecting money from a motorist using a POS machine inside a police station.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on 13 January 2026 at ‘C’ Division in Asaba, has sparked public outrage and renewed concerns over police misconduct in Nigeria.

What happened

According to the police, the video shows officers demanding payment from a motorist within the station premises, an act the command described as “embarrassing” and “unprofessional.”

In a statement issued on 16 April 2026, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the conduct was “inexcusable and unpardonable.”

“The incident… is not only embarrassing but also unprofessional and conduct unbecoming of police officers. The command condemns the act in totality as no citizen deserved to be treated in such a manner by the police.”

Officers face disciplinary trial

The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, has ordered an orderly room trial for the officers involved Inspector Augustine Jeremiah and Corporal Miracle Ehirim.

Police authorities say the outcome of the disciplinary process will be made public once concluded.

“The orderly room trial of the officers… has commenced, and upon the conclusion of the disciplinary process, the outcome will be made public.”

Zero tolerance for extortion

The Commissioner reiterated that the action violates directives from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, which prohibit extortion and the use of POS or electronic payment platforms in police formations.

“No officer is authorized to demand or receive money from any member of the public under any guise.”

The command stressed that such practices undermine public trust and contradict ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force.

Why it matters

The case highlights persistent concerns about extortion and abuse of office among law enforcement officers in Nigeria.

Despite repeated reforms and public complaints channels, incidents like this continue to surface, often through viral social media videos.

For many Nigerians, the use of POS machines in police stations represents a new dimension of alleged extortion making transactions faster, traceable, and, in some cases, more brazen.

Public reaction and accountability

Civil society groups and citizens have increasingly relied on digital evidence to expose misconduct.

The Delta Police Command acknowledged the role of the public in bringing the incident to light.

“The CP appreciates concerned members of the public for bringing the actions of these recalcitrant officers to the notice of the command.”

Residents and advocacy groups say transparency in the outcome of the trial will be key to rebuilding trust.

What’s next

Police authorities say disciplinary measures will serve as a deterrent to other officers.

The Commissioner also reminded personnel to respect citizens’ rights in line with the 1999 Constitution.

Members of the public are encouraged to report misconduct through the Complaint Response Unit via 09155570008 and 09011112311.

The family of Mr Akintayo Olanrewaju, a driver employed by the Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Ifako, Ijaye, Lagos State, has raised concerns over his sudden disappearance.

Olanrewaju was last seen on Friday morning, when he left home to retrieve a faulty official vehicle from a mechanic. Since then, his whereabouts remain unknown.

“On Friday morning, he told them at home that he was going to the mechanic to retrieve the vehicle so he could take it back to the office. That was the last time he was seen,” said Pastor Ben Oyebanji, Senior Pastor of Christ Apostolic Church, Revival Chapel, Abule-Egba, who has been assisting the family.

Conflicting Accounts Raise Alarm

Several days into the search, the family says there has been little progress. Pastor Oyebanji expressed concerns about what he described as a lack of urgency from both the LCDA authorities and the police.

He explained that Olanrewaju initially contacted the official mechanic on Thursday after the vehicle developed a fault. The mechanic reportedly came to pick up the car, but when asked, claimed not to have seen Olanrewaju on the day he went missing.

Meanwhile, the Personal Assistant to the LCDA Vice Chairman said he spoke with Olanrewaju on the morning of his disappearance. The driver allegedly informed him he did not have money to get to the workshop and asked for a bank transfer. Attempts to reach Olanrewaju later were unsuccessful.

“There are too many unanswered questions. What is really happening? These conflicting accounts are why people are getting worried,” Pastor Oyebanji said.

Concerns About Official Response

The cleric criticized the LCDA authorities for leaving the family to handle the search and for not immediately reporting the disappearance to the police.

“The local government people are not forthcoming. They are the ones who are supposed to go to the police station and make official complaints, but they left everything to the family,” Oyebanji said.

He added that police action only began after he personally accompanied the family to the station.

“They made a report earlier, but nothing had been done until I got there. Only then did they talk about reaching out to other stations,” he noted.

Why It Matters

The case highlights concerns about safety and accountability for public servants in Lagos. Families of missing persons often face delays in official responses, raising questions about institutional support and the efficiency of law enforcement.

Authorities have yet to provide an update on the investigation.

The Baale of Ijagemo in Lagos, High Chief Olateju Jimoh-Balogun, has denied any involvement in the death of Charles Chimezie Nwachukwu, who reportedly died after a dispute with suspected hoodlums.

Mr Jimoh-Balogun said he only became aware of the incident after it had already occurred, stressing that the matter is now under police investigation.

“There is no truth to the rumours,” he said, adding that he was informed after the situation had escalated.

‘I was called to mediate’

The community leader explained that he was approached to help mediate following reports of a fight in the area.

“I am not aware of what happened until I was informed to intervene, but it has been reported that the man has died,” he said.

He emphasised that the case had been formally reported to the police and that he has no knowledge of what led to the altercation.

Police take over investigation

Mr Jimoh-Balogun said law enforcement authorities are now handling the matter and will determine the cause of death.

He expressed concern over attempts by some individuals to link him to the incident, describing such claims as false.

According to him, the incident occurred at a beer parlour located far from his palace.

Call for calm and lawful action

While condoling with the family of the deceased, the Baale urged residents not to take the law into their own hands.

He warned that anyone found inciting violence would be handed over to security agencies.

“Those aggrieved should channel their complaints through the appropriate authorities,” he said.

‘Community remains peaceful’

Mr Jimoh-Balogun also sought to reassure residents about the safety of the Ijagemo community.

He highlighted what he described as long-standing harmony among different ethnic groups, including Igbo residents.

According to him, the area’s peace and development are rooted in mutual understanding and tolerance.

What’s next

Police are expected to continue investigations into the circumstances surrounding Mr Nwachukwu’s death.

Authorities say efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible.

Residents have been encouraged to go about their daily activities while security agencies handle the case.

Why it matters

Incidents like this highlight ongoing concerns about community safety and the role of local leadership in crisis situations.

They also underscore the importance of relying on lawful processes to resolve disputes and prevent escalation.