Asaba DPO Summoned to Abuja Over Extortion Allegations

The Nigeria Police Force Complaint Response Unit (NPF-CRU) has summoned the Divisional Police Officer of the GRA Police Division, Asaba, CSP Joseph Udoh, to the Force Headquarters in Abuja over allegations of extortion and abuse of office. The police authority confirmed that the officer is expected to appear next week as investigations commence.

The summons follows a complaint by Tomi Akporoghene Wojuola, who alleged that he was arrested and detained after taking a man who collapsed on the road to a hospital earlier this year. Wojuola said the victim was pronounced dead on arrival and that he promptly informed the police, noting he had no prior relationship with the deceased.

According to the complaint, officers at the GRA Police Station allegedly accused Wojuola of murder, obtained his statement under caution and detained him, despite the deceased’s family reportedly confirming an existing medical condition. He further claimed that the DPO personally threatened him and that only the intervention of a senior government official prevented formal murder charges, although he was still compelled to pay what he termed excessive bail sums.

The case has sparked public concern over policing practices that may discourage citizens from offering emergency assistance. The NPF-CRU, while acknowledging the complaint, stated that the matter is under review, as the complainant called for accountability and reforms within the system.