Police release innocent citizens after illegal detention, extortion attempt in Delta

Asaba, Delta – Human rights activist Comrade Curtis Ugbebor has exposed yet another case of alleged police harassment, illegal detention, and attempted extortion by officers attached to ‘A’ Division Police Station in Ughelli, Delta State.

According to Ogbebor, a group of citizens who had traveled from Delta State to Benin City, Edo State, to purchase a vehicle were waylaid on their return journey by armed policemen.

Despite presenting complete and valid vehicle documents, the officers reportedly seized the vehicle, confiscated the victims’ mobile phones, and detained them incommunicado for several hours.

The victims alleged that the policemen demanded a “bail ransom” of ₦300,000 before they would be released, an action that has no basis in Nigerian law.

One of the detained citizens eventually managed to make a distress call to Comrade Curtis Ugbebor. When Ogbebor attempted to speak directly with the officers, they reportedly refused to come to the phone or explain their actions.

Acting swiftly, Ogbebor contacted the Delta State Police Command headquarters in Asaba. The state command immediately intervened, issuing a direct order to ‘A’ Division Ughelli for the unconditional release of the victims and their vehicle.

Following the command’s directive, the citizens were released without payment of any money and reunited with their impounded vehicle.

In a statement posted on his social media platforms, Comrade Ogbebor wrote: “Police harassment, intimidation, extortion in Delta State is 200% higher than Edo State… This is how I cover thousands of Nigerians, most especially the youths across the country, defend and enhance their fundamental rights. I don’t just make noise about it.”

The incident has reignited public outcry over persistent allegations of extortion and rights abuses by some police officers along Nigerian highways, particularly in Delta and neighboring states.

As at the time of filing this report, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, had not issued an official statement on the Ughelli incident. However, the prompt intervention by the state command suggests internal measures were taken to address the complaint.

Citizens and civil society groups continue to call for sustained reforms, improved oversight, and decisive punishment for officers found guilty of extortion and abuse of power.

Comrade Curtis Ugbebor, a well-known rights defender in the South-South region, has been instrumental in securing the release of numerous Nigerians from unlawful police detention through direct advocacy with state commands.