Group Petitions IGP Over Alleged Extortion, Others

The Young Nigerian Rights Organisation (YNRO) has written a petition to the Police High Command against the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi.

It alleged suppression of the truth and extortion by the Decoy Department of his command.

In a letter dated April 21 2024, addressed to the inspector-general of police (IGP) and signed by Comrade Victor Ojei, popularly called Wong Box, he said the commissioner banned him from contacting him via WhatsApp for security and related matters.

He said this may not be unconnected to his open letter and for being at the forefront of exposing extortion and exploitative practices within the Decoy Department of the Delta command.

“This directive came despite Comrade Ojei’s critical role in facilitating communication between activists and the police for security purposes.

“Recently, Officer Afam of the Decoy Department demanded mobilisation fees before proceeding with an investigation, despite previously agreeing to assist with only basic stationery costs.

“This incident highlights a troubling trend of extortion within the department, which jeopardises the integrity of the police force and obstructs justice for ordinary citizens.

“Moreover, the commissioner’s actions, including threats of legal action and accusations based on a sarcastic social media post, appear to attempt to suppress Comrade Ojei’s advocacy efforts and discredit his long-standing commitment to pro bono services for rights advocacy.

In light of these concerns, Ojei, currently a senior special assistant to the governor of Delta State on civil society and NGOs, requested the transfer of the case to another department within the Delta command to ensure impartiality and prevent further bias.

“An immediate and thorough investigation into the activities of the Decoy Department, focusing on the emerging pattern of extortionate practices.

Implementation of reforms establishing and enforcing strict policies to eliminate corruption and extortion within the police force and ensure that justice is accessible to all citizens, regardless of their financial status,” he said.

In the petition copied to the chairman of the Police Service Commission, the Police Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), and all Deltans, he queried why the X-squad failed to investigate Comrade Victor Ojei and his client’s allegations against the investigation police officer.