From Church To Cell: Delta Police Accused Of Random Crossover Night Arrests, Assault And ₦200,000 Extortion Of Worshippers In Asaba
Worshippers arrested during crossover night celebrations in Asaba, Delta State, have accused the Delta State Police Command of carrying out random arrests, physical assault and extorting between ₦150,000 and ₦200,000 before granting bail. The arrests reportedly occurred on New Year’s Eve at multiple locations, including Inter-Bau Roundabout and Direct Labour Agency (DLA) Road, and affected over 40 people, many of whom were attending or returning from church services.
Although the police described the arrested individuals as “hoodlums” involved in violent conduct, several victims told SaharaReporters that they were innocent worshippers who were rounded up without cause, detained at the state police headquarters and allegedly framed. Some suspects said they were only released after paying large sums of money for bail, which is legally free.
Victims and witnesses accused officers under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Adejobi Olumuyiwa, of abusing power and violating human rights. A Federal Road Safety Corps officer and a lawyer both confirmed incidents of extortion, while another victim narrated how police allegedly assaulted her and broke her tooth during the arrest of her brother.
Police insiders also criticised the DCP’s operational style, alleging repeated mass arrests and disregard for due process. Efforts to get official responses were unsuccessful, as the outgoing and incoming commissioners of police distanced themselves from the incident, while the police spokesperson said the matter involved his superiors. The allegations have renewed public outrage over police brutality, extortion and abuse of authority in Nigeria.
Worshippers arrested during crossover night celebrations in Asaba, Delta State, have accused the Delta State Police Command of carrying out random arrests, physical assault and extorting between ₦150,000 and ₦200,000 before granting bail. The arrests reportedly occurred on New Year’s Eve at multiple locations, including Inter-Bau Roundabout and Direct Labour Agency (DLA) Road, and affected over 40 people, many of whom were attending or returning from church services.
Although the police described the arrested individuals as “hoodlums” involved in violent conduct, several victims told SaharaReporters that they were innocent worshippers who were rounded up without cause, detained at the state police headquarters and allegedly framed. Some suspects said they were only released after paying large sums of money for bail, which is legally free.
Victims and witnesses accused officers under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Adejobi Olumuyiwa, of abusing power and violating human rights. A Federal Road Safety Corps officer and a lawyer both confirmed incidents of extortion, while another victim narrated how police allegedly assaulted her and broke her tooth during the arrest of her brother.
Police insiders also criticised the DCP’s operational style, alleging repeated mass arrests and disregard for due process. Efforts to get official responses were unsuccessful, as the outgoing and incoming commissioners of police distanced themselves from the incident, while the police spokesperson said the matter involved his superiors. The allegations have renewed public outrage over police brutality, extortion and abuse of authority in Nigeria.
From Church To Cell: Delta Police Accused Of Random Crossover Night Arrests, Assault And ₦200,000 Extortion Of Worshippers In Asaba
Worshippers arrested during crossover night celebrations in Asaba, Delta State, have accused the Delta State Police Command of carrying out random arrests, physical assault and extorting between ₦150,000 and ₦200,000 before granting bail. The arrests reportedly occurred on New Year’s Eve at multiple locations, including Inter-Bau Roundabout and Direct Labour Agency (DLA) Road, and affected over 40 people, many of whom were attending or returning from church services.
Although the police described the arrested individuals as “hoodlums” involved in violent conduct, several victims told SaharaReporters that they were innocent worshippers who were rounded up without cause, detained at the state police headquarters and allegedly framed. Some suspects said they were only released after paying large sums of money for bail, which is legally free.
Victims and witnesses accused officers under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Adejobi Olumuyiwa, of abusing power and violating human rights. A Federal Road Safety Corps officer and a lawyer both confirmed incidents of extortion, while another victim narrated how police allegedly assaulted her and broke her tooth during the arrest of her brother.
Police insiders also criticised the DCP’s operational style, alleging repeated mass arrests and disregard for due process. Efforts to get official responses were unsuccessful, as the outgoing and incoming commissioners of police distanced themselves from the incident, while the police spokesperson said the matter involved his superiors. The allegations have renewed public outrage over police brutality, extortion and abuse of authority in Nigeria.
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