₦2.5m Bribe Allegation: Jesse DPO Removed as Delta CP Orders Probe into Viral Video Claims

The Delta State Police Command has moved swiftly to contain the fallout from a viral video accusing the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Jesse Police Division of collecting a ₦2.5 million bribe to secure the release of a suspect, ordering his immediate removal and launching a full investigation into the allegations.

The action was taken on the directive of the newly appointed Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Aina Adesola, following public outrage triggered by the video, which features a woman alleging that senior officers at the Jesse Division extorted money from her family. The development was confirmed on Friday in an official statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe.

According to the police, the decision to remove the DPO and detain another officer mentioned in the video reflects the command’s resolve to address allegations of misconduct promptly and transparently, especially at a time when public confidence in law enforcement remains fragile.

In the statement, Edafe explained that the incident dates back to January 1, 2026, when the youth leader of the Jesse community arrested several suspects and handed them over to the police. Among those arrested was a 20-year-old man, Israel Onojeruo, identified as the younger brother of the woman who later made the video.

Police said Onojeruo was arrested following a confession by another suspect, Okoro Desmond, who reportedly claimed he sold a firearm to him. All suspects were subsequently transferred to the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU) for further investigation.

However, the case took a dramatic turn after the woman alleged that officers at the Jesse Division demanded ₦2.5 million to facilitate her brother’s release. The video, which quickly gained traction online, named the DPO and two other officers, sparking renewed public scrutiny of police conduct in the state.

Responding to the allegations, CP Adesola ordered the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the X-Squad to immediately investigate the matter. One of the officers identified in the video, a police constable named Bright, has been detained at the command headquarters, while the DPO has been removed from his post and redeployed to the headquarters pending the outcome of the probe.

Police authorities disclosed that the removal of the DPO was not solely based on the viral video but also followed a series of complaints from different quarters alleging extortion and unprofessional behaviour under his watch.

The commissioner assured members of the public that the investigation would be thorough and impartial, stressing that any officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action in line with the Police Act and existing regulations.

He further emphasised that the Delta State Police Command, under his leadership, will not tolerate extortion, intimidation, abuse of power, or any conduct that undermines public trust. CP Adesola urged citizens to report any misconduct by police officers through the command’s Complaint Response Unit, providing multiple contact numbers to encourage prompt reporting.

The incident comes amid heightened public attention on policing standards in Delta State, particularly following complaints by suspects arrested during New Year’s Eve operations, including personnel from sister security agencies, who have also alleged extortion and misconduct by officers.

As investigations continue, the police say they remain committed to restoring public confidence and ensuring that officers who violate professional standards are held accountable.