Delta Police demote two officers over POS extortion

By Imisioluwa Afunmiso

The Delta State Police Command has demoted two police officers found guilty of extorting a motorist through a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal within a police station, reaffirming its commitment to discipline and the Inspector-General of Police’s ban on electronic payment transactions in police formations.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, upheld the findings of an orderly room trial involving Inspector Augustine Jeremiah and Corporal Miracle Ehirim of ‘C’ Division, Asaba, who were caught in a viral video receiving money from a motorist through a POS terminal inside the station on January 13, 2026.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the officers were found guilty of disobedience to lawful order, extortion and discreditable conduct, contrary to the provisions of the Police Act, 2020.

Following the disciplinary proceedings, Inspector Jeremiah was reduced in rank to Sergeant, while Corporal Ehirim was demoted to Constable.

CP Oyeniyi said the punishment aligns with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s zero-tolerance policy against extortion and professional misconduct within the Force.

He reiterated that the IGP has expressly prohibited the use of Point-of-Sale terminals and other electronic payment platforms in police stations and formations across the country, warning that no police officer is authorised to demand or receive money from members of the public under any guise.

The Commissioner urged officers and men of the Command to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and respect for citizens’ rights, noting that the sanctions imposed on the affected officers should serve as a deterrent to others.

He also assured the public of the Command’s commitment to accountability and rebuilding public confidence in the Force, while encouraging residents to report cases of police misconduct through the Command’s Complaint Response Unit.