Police refund bail money, remove DPO for extorting ‘good samaritan’

The Delta State Police Command has taken disciplinary action against the Divisional Police Officer of the GRA Division in Asaba, following a viral report of extortion and the intimidation of a man who attempted to save a dying stranger.

PUNCH Online reported on Saturday that the DPO was summoned after a Nigerian man, Tomi Wojuola, shared his ordeal with the police after rushing a stranger who collapsed on the road to the hospital.

He narrated that despite his efforts, the man passed away upon arrival.

Following protocol, Wojuola said he requested police involvement, only to be detained at the GRA Police Station in Asaba.

“To tell you how wicked some officers of the Nigerian Police Force could be, I was instead accused of murder, with my statement taken under caution.

“CSP Joseph Udoh, the DPO, told me he must deal with me for acting like ‘Jesus’. Those were his exact words. He bluntly told me that when he is through with me, if I see anybody dying again, I would walk past, even after the deceased victim’s family had confirmed that their late son had an underlying condition,” he wrote.

He alleged that he was only released following the intervention of a high-ranking government official, and claimed that the station “emptied his account” for bail, leaving him with only N2,000.

Providing an update on the incident, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, confirmed on Saturday that the DPO involved has been removed and the bail refunded.

“The guy has since been contacted, the DPO removed and sanctioned, and the money refunded,” Edafe wrote.

Wojuola also confirmed this on Facebook, writing, “DPO removed and sanctioned. Money refunded. Thanks all, Naija go better one day!”(Punch)