ASABA/Nigeria: A viral video that sparked public outrage over alleged police extortion in Asaba has now resulted in the demotion of two police officers, with the Delta State Police Command declaring that misconduct involving members of the public will not go unpunished.
The disciplinary action was announced by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, who disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, upheld the findings of an orderly room trial which found Inspector Augustine Jeremiah and Corporal Miracle Ehirim, both attached to ‘C’ Division, Asaba, guilty of professional misconduct.
The officers came under investigation after they were captured in a viral video on January 13, 2026, receiving money from a motorist through a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal within the premises of the police station—an incident that drew widespread criticism and renewed concerns over extortion by some police personnel.
According to the Command, the orderly room trial found both officers guilty of Disobedience to Lawful Order, Extortion and Discreditable Conduct, contrary to the provisions of the Police Act, 2020. Based on the outcome of the proceedings, Inspector Augustine Jeremiah was reduced in rank to Sergeant, while Corporal Miracle Ehirim was demoted to Constable.
CP Oyeniyi said the disciplinary measures reflect the Nigeria Police Force’s determination to enforce professional standards and ensure that officers who abuse the trust reposed in them are held accountable for their actions.
He reiterated the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, zero-tolerance policy on extortion and other forms of misconduct, stressing that the use of Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals and other electronic payment platforms within police stations and formations remains strictly prohibited.
The Commissioner warned that no police officer is authorised to demand or receive money from members of the public under any guise, adding that any personnel found violating the directive would face appropriate disciplinary sanctions.
He urged officers and men of the Delta State Command to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and respect for the rights of citizens, noting that the punishment imposed on the two officers should serve as a strong deterrent to others.
CP Oyeniyi also encouraged members of the public to continue reporting cases of police misconduct through the Command’s Complaint Response Unit on 09155570008 and 09011112311, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to transparency, discipline and rebuilding public confidence in policing.
The sanctions are among the clearest indications yet that the Delta State Police Command is prepared to act against officers whose conduct falls short of the ethical standards expected of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly in cases that erode public trust.
