By Admin 
By Peter Onyekachukwua, Warri
DELTA: The Delta State Police Command has dismissed allegations of extortion amounting to ₦2.186 million made by Mrs. Gladys Ubogu Okeoghene, labeling the claims as false, misleading, and an attempt to evade justice while garnering public sympathy.
In a press statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the Command clarified the circumstances surrounding the case, which stemmed from a petition filed by Mrs. Ubogu on October 22, 2024.
Mrs. Ubogu had petitioned the Area Commander in Warri, alleging that a car dealer absconded with the proceeds from the sale of two Mercedes Benz vehicles a GLK and a C400 that were handed over to him for sale.
She claimed the dealer blocked her communication after converting the funds for personal use.
Following her complaint, the Police launched an investigation that led to the arrest of six suspects, Olayemi Abiodun Moses, Nowoke Precious, Tempo Mumandira Billion, Fabian Chinonso Udeh, Ahmed Farouk, and David Solomon in Lagos and Abuja.
SP Edafe stated, “Further investigation revealed that the GLK vehicle was sold for ₦4 million, and the payment was sent directly to the account of the petitioner’s son, Highness Onoruikpe. Evidence of the payment, including bank alerts, was recovered from the son’s phone. This contradicted the petitioner’s earlier claim that no payment was received.”
The Police also recovered the Mercedes Benz C400 and returned it to Mrs. Ubogu. However, when inconsistencies in her claims emerged, the vehicle was brought back to the station for further investigation. SP Edafe noted that at this point, Mrs. Ubogu abandoned both the vehicle and the case, apparently to avoid implicating her son in the fraudulent activities.
“At no point did the Police collect money from her as alleged,” SP Edafe emphasized.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, urged the press and social media users to verify facts before publishing, to avoid misleading the public and tarnishing the reputation of the Police.
The Command reiterated its commitment to transparency and justice, while advising individuals to desist from using falsehoods to evade accountability.