Two Delta officers demoted as Police tighten crackdown on extortion

Two police officers attached to the ‘C’ Division in Asaba have been demoted after they were found guilty of extortion following a disciplinary trial triggered by a viral video showing them receiving money from a motorist through a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal.

The affected officers, Inspector Augustine Jeremiah and Corporal Miracle Ehirim, were convicted in an orderly room trial conducted by the Nigeria Police Force after the video gained widespread attention on social media.

The footage reportedly showed the officers collecting money from a motorist using a POS device, prompting public outrage and an internal investigation by the police authorities.

Following the disciplinary proceedings, both officers were found guilty of extortion and sanctioned with demotion in accordance with the Nigeria Police Force’s disciplinary procedures.

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The action underscores the Force’s commitment to addressing allegations of misconduct and enforcing discipline among its personnel.

The incident has reignited public concerns over extortion and unethical practices by some police officers, with many Nigerians calling for stronger accountability mechanisms and reforms to restore public confidence in law enforcement.

Observers say sustained oversight, prompt disciplinary action, wider deployment of body-worn cameras, improved welfare for officers, enhanced ethics training and accessible channels for reporting misconduct could help reduce incidents of extortion and strengthen professionalism within the police force.

The Nigeria Police Force has repeatedly maintained that officers found engaging in corruption, extortion or other forms of misconduct will face disciplinary measures in line with its regulations.