N1.2 Million Bail Demand by DPO in Delta Sparks Fresh Scrutiny of Police Extortion Claims
Crime/Social Justice
Asaba, Delta – A Nigerian civil society group has called on police authorities to investigate allegations that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Police Station in Delta State demanded ₦1.2 million as a condition for granting bail to a detainee.
The AHMWFES The Bail Is Free Campaign Organisation issued a press release on Wednesday detailing a complaint received through its Help Desk.
The unnamed complainant in an audio recording obtained by DAILY South Nigeria in which he allegedly describes the demand made by the DPO.
The Justice Oni-Edigin led organisation stated it has begun a preliminary review of the materials but emphasised that the claims remain allegations pending full investigation.
It urged the leadership of the Owhelogbo Police Division, the Delta State Police Command, and supervisory authorities to act swiftly.
“We therefore call on the leadership of the relevant Police Division, the Delta State Police Command, and the appropriate supervisory authorities to urgently look into this complaint, halt any unlawful or unethical conduct if established, and ensure that the rights of every citizen are protected in accordance with the law,” the statement read.
The group highlighted Nigeria’s legal framework, noting that under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Police Act, bail should not require unlawful fees or gratification.
It called for unconditional release where no lawful basis for continued detention exists.
The audio recording, containing the complainant’s account, has been submitted to support demands for a “prompt, transparent, and impartial investigation.”
This incident fits a pattern of complaints against police stations in Delta State and other parts of Nigeria, where critics accuse officers of commercialising bail despite repeated official “Bail is Free” campaigns.
The AHMWFES organisation and similar groups have previously protested similar allegations in Delta, including claims of hundreds of thousands of naira demanded for minor offences.
Nigeria Police Force policies explicitly state that bail is free for bailable offences, yet enforcement remains inconsistent, with civil society groups documenting persistent extortion complaints.
The Delta State Police Command has not yet issued a public response to today’s specific allegation, even as they are expected to confirm receipt of the complaint and outline investigative steps.
