Sahara Reporters has revealed a shocking case of alleged police extortion, abuse of power, and misconduct, as Mrs. Gladys Ubogu Okeoghene, a resident of Afiesere town in Ughelli, Delta State, files a petition accusing officers of demanding over N2.1 million to recover her stolen vehicles.
In her detailed petition addressed to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5 Headquarters in Benin, Edo State, Mrs. Okeoghene recounted her ordeal, which began in 2022, when her two vehicles—a GLK 350 and a C400—were stolen after she entrusted them to a mechanic, Mr. Solomon David Orshieda, for repairs. The mechanic allegedly sold the vehicles and fled to Kenya, leaving her to face an uphill battle for justice.
Seeking help from the Nigeria Police Force’s Ughelli Area Command in October 2024, Mrs. Okeoghene was assigned Investigating Police Officer (IPO) Ebinum Odiri Oghenerukevwe. According to her, the IPO demanded an exorbitant sum of N2,186,000, labeling it as a “tracking fee” and “office movement” expenses required to recover the stolen vehicles.
Despite complying and paying the requested amount, only one vehicle—the GLK 350—was recovered and returned. The other vehicle, the C400, remains in police custody, with officers allegedly demanding additional payment for its release.
In her petition, Mrs. Okeoghene lamented, “Despite paying the requested amount, the police have refused to release my C400. Instead, they demanded more money. I was also not informed when the suspects, including the fugitive mechanic, were granted bail. This blatant disregard for justice has left me disillusioned and frustrated.”
Mrs. Okeoghene further accused the IPO of using intimidation and threats to silence her complaints, stating that her recovered vehicle has been unlawfully withheld by the police. She described the situation as a disturbing abuse of power, calling on authorities to take immediate action.
“I urge you to address these concerns urgently, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure justice is served,” she wrote in her petition. Copies of the petition were sent to the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) and the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights, Nigeria Office, signaling the escalating seriousness of the issue.
Responding to the claims, Delta State Police Command spokesperson SP Edafe Bright offered a counter-narrative. According to him, both vehicles were initially recovered and returned to Mrs. Okeoghene. However, further details surrounding the matter remain unclear, leaving more questions than answers.
The central figure in the case, Mr. Solomon David Orshieda, stands accused of betraying the trust of his client by selling the vehicles and fleeing to Kenya. Despite the international dimension of his escape, Mrs. Okeoghene insists that justice has been obstructed, with the police failing to take decisive action against him or provide updates on his whereabouts.
This case highlights growing concerns over alleged corruption and misconduct within the Nigeria Police Force. Mrs. Okeoghene’s experience underscores a troubling pattern of exploitation, where victims seeking justice are further victimized by the very institution meant to protect them.
The petition has now drawn the attention of human rights organizations and the public, raising pressure on authorities to address the alleged misconduct and restore trust in law enforcement. As this case unfolds, the spotlight remains firmly on the Nigeria Police Force to ensure accountability and transparency.
With human rights groups and international organizations now involved, Mrs. Okeoghene’s case could become a rallying cry for reform in policing practices in Nigeria. Whether the authorities will act decisively remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the call for justice cannot be ignored.
PIONEER NEWS 