Police demote two officers over POS extortion in Delta

The Delta State Police Command has demoted two police officers found guilty of extorting a motorist through a Point-of-Sale (POS) transaction within a police station, reaffirming the Inspector-General of Police’s ban on electronic payment transactions in police formations.

The disciplinary action followed an orderly room trial involving Inspector Augustine Jeremiah and Corporal Miracle Ehirim of ‘C’ Division, Asaba, who were captured in a viral video receiving money from a motorist through a POS terminal inside the station on January 13, 2026.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, upheld the findings of the trial, which found both officers guilty of disobedience to lawful order, extortion and discreditable conduct in violation of the Police Act, 2020.

As part of the sanctions, Inspector Jeremiah was reduced in rank to Sergeant, while Corporal Ehirim was demoted to Constable.

The commissioner reiterated the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s zero-tolerance stance on extortion and professional misconduct, stressing that the use of POS terminals and other electronic payment platforms in police stations remains prohibited.

He 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 engaging in such practices would face disciplinary action.

Oyeniyi urged officers of the command to uphold professionalism, integrity and respect for citizens’ rights, describing the punishment as a deterrent to others.

He also encouraged members of the public to report cases of police misconduct through the command’s Complaint Response Unit, reaffirming the command’s commitment to accountability and public confidence in policing.