By Admin 
****Police Must Return Extorted Funds -CDHR
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warei
DELTA: Policemen from “B” Division in Warri, Delta State, have arrested a man identified as Godstime Edesiri from Oginibo Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area, and whisked him away to an unknown destination on Tuesday.
The arrest comes amid allegations of extortion and oppression leveled against the police by the Delta State Chapter of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).
The Delta State CDHR Chairman, Comrade (Elder) A.P. Edariese, who confirmed the incident during a press briefing, accused the police of intimidating and extorting the young man, claiming the victim had already been forced to part with N240,000 under duress.
Speaking at the press conference, Comrade Edariese expressed concerns about the victim’s safety, alleging that the police are trying to cover up their tracks by silencing Edesiri.
“This morning, officers from ‘B’ Division stormed Oginibo village and took Godstime Edesiri away. As we speak, we don’t know where they’ve taken him. This is a case of pure intimidation and oppression,” he said.
He called on the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and ensure the victim’s safe release.
“We are calling on the press and human rights groups to amplify our voices. This young man must not be harmed. The police have already extorted him, and now they are trying to cover their tracks,” Edariese added.
According to police sources, the arrest was linked to an ongoing investigation into a N200,000 fraud case. The police allege that stolen funds from a complainant’s bank account were traced to Edesiri’s phone number.
In a message sent to CDHR Chairman, Comrade Edariese, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said:
“The suspect will be charged to court. There is a bank statement indicating that N200,000 was transferred to his phone number. He can get a lawyer to defend him in court.”
Comrade Edariese, however, dismissed the police claims, stating that the alleged transactions were not found in the victim’s bank statement.
“The police forced him to transfer N200,000 from his account to them, and they collected another N40,000 as bail money. After that, they demanded another N150,000, claiming it was money used to track the stolen phone,” he said.
Edariese alleged that the police have been using a POS operator at the station to withdraw extorted funds from citizens.
“We are dealing with a case of systemic abuse of power. The police must return all the money they’ve taken from this young man,” he added.
Attempts to reach the Delta State Police Command for further comments were unsuccessful. Calls and messages sent to the Delta Police PRO, SP Bright Edafe, by our correspondent were yet to be returned at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, CDHR vowed to pursue legal action to ensure justice for Godstime Edesiri and hold the police officers involved accountable for their actions.