FIC Report (Delta State) – The Delta State Police Commissioner, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has described as false and misleading, a publication in the internet and other social media platforms, an extortion allegation against the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and men of ‘B’ Division Warri by one Comrade Peter Edariese.
The CP noted that the said publication he said was orchestrated by Comrade Peter Edariese, alleged that the DPO and men of ‘B’ Division Warri arrested one Godstime Edesiri over undisclosed crime and was forced to pay Two Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira (240,000:00) bail.
Giving clarification on the incident, in a press release signed by the Command’s image maker, SP. Edafe Bright, the Command stated that; “On the 28th of October 2024 at about 1540hours, one Mrs Helen Ogodogun reported that on the same date, her phone Samsung Galaxy AO5s worth One Hundred and Sixty-Five Thousand Naira was stolen while she was on transit and Two Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira (#240,000) was transferred from her bank account and used to purchase airtime through USSD. On receipt of the complaint, investigation was extended to the bank, and the Police were furnished with the account details and phone number 09060671012 which was recharged from the victim’s account. On the 3rd of December 2024, technically driven investigation led to the arrest of one Godstime Edesiri whose Phone contained the sim card that was recharged on the said date that the transaction occurred.”
The CP further disclosed that the suspect opted for an out-of-court settlement with the complainant with the hope that justice could be perverted. However, the Command further noted that; “On 14th January 2025, the suspect was arraigned in court on charges of Conspiracy and stealing and was remanded in Okere Prison Warri.”
The Commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, therefore, urges human rights activists and journalists to engage the command through the Police Public relations officer and verify facts before resorting to publication on social media in order not to mislead the public.
Signed
Felix Ijomah
Federal Information Centre Asaba.
