Police Summon DPO Over Extortion and Intimidation of Good Samaritan in Delta State

The Nigeria Police Force has called for the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the GRA Police Station in Asaba, Delta State, to answer to serious allegations of extortion and intimidation. The summons follows a public complaint by a man who faced criminal accusations after attempting to save a dying stranger.

The incident, which sparked widespread outrage online, was detailed in a Facebook post by Tomi Akporoghene Wojuola on Wednesday. According to his account, earlier this year he stopped to assist a young man who had collapsed on the road in Asaba. Upon the advice of a doctor he contacted, Wojuola rushed the unconscious individual to a hospital, where the victim was pronounced dead.

In keeping with protocol, Wojuola reported the matter to the police, explaining he was an uninvolved bystander who had tried to help. Instead of receiving assistance, he alleges he was accused of murder by officers at the GRA Police Station and his statement was taken under caution.

Wojuola further claims that the DPO, CSP Joseph Udoh, verbally threatened him. “He told me he must deal with me for acting like ‘Jesus’,” Wojuola wrote, stating this occurred even after the deceased’s family confirmed their son had a pre-existing medical condition.

The situation reportedly intensified until a senior government official intervened, securing Wojuola’s release and the withdrawal of the murder allegation. However, Wojuola alleges that upon his release, police officers demanded bail money that emptied his bank account, leaving him with only ₦2,000.

Reflecting on the ordeal, Wojuola linked his experience to a common public reluctance to help in emergencies. “I immediately understood why people make videos in such a situation and do not make an attempt to rescue the victim,” he stated.

In response to the allegations, the Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU) confirmed it has taken action. In a statement on X, the unit said: “The Divisional Police Officer, GRA Asaba, #DeltaPoliceNG has been summoned and will be in Police Force Headquarters Abuja for questioning concerning this complaint by next week.”

The case has intensified ongoing debates about police conduct and the risks faced by citizens performing acts of public service in Nigeria.