Police reduce ranks of officers over extortion

The Delta State Police Command has reduced the ranks of two police officers caught in a viral video allegedly extorting money from a member of the public.
The Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, approved the findings of the Orderly Room Trial (ORT) involving Inspector Augustine Jeremiah and Corporal Miracle Ehirim of the ‘C’ Division, Asaba. The officers were captured in a viral video receiving money from a motorist through a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal within the police station on January 13, 2026.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, said: “The officers were found guilty of disobedience to lawful order, extortion and discreditable conduct, contrary to the provisions of the Police Act, 2020 (LFN). The Commissioner of Police consequently upheld their punishment of reduction in rank, with Inspector Augustine Jeremiah reduced to the rank of Sergeant and Corporal Miracle Ehirim reduced to Constable.
“CP Yemi Oyeniyi reiterated the Inspector-General of Police’s zero-tolerance policy on extortion and professional misconduct, stressing that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has unequivocally prohibited the use of Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals and other electronic payment platforms within police stations and formations.
“He warned that no officer is authorised to demand or receive money from members of the public under any guise, adding that any officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action.
“The CP urged officers and men of the Command to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and respect for the rights of citizens. He noted that the disciplinary action should serve as a deterrent and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to discipline, accountability and public trust. He also encouraged members of the public to continue reporting cases of police misconduct through the Complaint Response Unit.”