Two police officers attached to the Delta State Police Command have been demoted after they were found guilty of extorting a motorist through a Point-of-Sale terminal within a police station.
The disciplinary action followed the conclusion of an orderly room trial over an incident captured in a viral video showing Inspector Augustine Jeremiah and Corporal Miracle Ehirim receiving money from a motorist through a POS terminal at the ‘C’ Division Police Station in Asaba on January 13, 2026.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, the Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, upheld the findings of the trial, which found the officers guilty of disobedience to lawful order, extortion and discreditable conduct, contrary to the provisions of the Police Act, 2020.
As part of the sanctions, Jeremiah was reduced in rank from Inspector to Sergeant, while Ehirim was demoted from Corporal to Constable.
The commissioner reiterated the Inspector-General of Police, Rilwan Disu, zero-tolerance stance on extortion and professional misconduct, stressing that the use of Point-of-Sale terminals and other electronic payment platforms in police stations remains prohibited.
Oyeniyi warned that no police officer is authorised to demand or receive money from members of the public under any guise, adding that any officer found violating the directive would face disciplinary measures.
He urged officers and men of the command to uphold professionalism, integrity and respect for citizens’ rights, noting that the punishment should serve as a deterrent to others.
The commissioner also encouraged members of the public to report cases of police misconduct through the Command’s Complaint Response Unit, reaffirming the commitment of the Delta State Police Command to discipline, accountability and public trust.