Protesters Shut Down Delta Police HQ Over Alleged Unlawful Detention, Bail Scam 

Protesters have shut down the Delta State Police Headquarters in Asaba, southern Nigeria, accusing officers of extortion and unlawful detention.

The demonstration, led by the “Bail Is Free Campaign” on Monday, May 12 centres on the case of two bricklayers, Henry Umukoro and Godfrey Jonah, allegedly held without trial for over a month.

Protesters carried placards reading “Bail is Free” and “Justice for Umukoro and Jonah” as they called for the men’s release and an investigation into a reported N500,000 bribe allegedly paid to secure their bail.

According to campaign organisers, Jonah was arrested on 11 April in connection with a mob attack in Oghara, Delta State. His colleague, Umukoro, was later detained when he visited the station to inquire about his arrest.

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David Ugolor, the campaign’s coordinator, described the situation as “a gross abuse of power” and called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene.

“Both men were allegedly granted bail after paying N500,000 to the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Oghara Police Division, only to be re-arrested without a court order on April 18 and transferred to the Delta State Police Command in Asaba, where they remain unlawfully detained,”remarked Ugolor.

In response, police spokesperson, SP Edafe Bright said the command had launched a review of the incident and that a refund of the N500,000 had been ordered. He urged the public to remain calm while investigations continued.