Resident Seeks Justice Over Alleged Exploitation of 2 Million by Police Following Stolen Vehicles Incident

Mrs. Gladys Ubogu Okeoghene, a resident of Delta State, has submitted a formal petition to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) at the Zone 5 Police Headquarters in Benin, seeking justice for alleged exploitation by law enforcement officers. This petition follows a disturbing incident in which her family’s two vehicles, a GLK 350 and a C400, were stolen after being entrusted to a mechanic, Mr. Solomon David Orshieda, for repairs.

According to Mrs. Okeoghene, the mechanic, who had been given responsibility for the cars, is accused of selling them and fleeing the country to Kenya. After the theft, she approached the Nigeria Police Force’s Area Command in October 2024, hoping to recover her stolen property. However, she alleges that she was directed to pay a total of N2,186,000 to cover costs related to the recovery, including “office movement” and “tracking” fees.

Despite paying the requested amount, Mrs. Okeoghene claims that the police have refused to release one of the recovered vehicles, the C400. She asserts that instead of returning the car, the police demanded further payment before releasing it. In addition to this, Mrs. Okeoghene expressed frustration with the police’s handling of the case, particularly regarding the bail granted to the suspects, including Orshieda, without her being informed or consulted.

Furthermore, Mrs. Okeoghene has accused the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) managing the case of intimidation and harassment. She alleges that the IPO has been threatening her, and that her vehicle remains unlawfully held by the police. Desperate for justice, Mrs. Okeoghene has called for an in-depth investigation into these actions and has sought the intervention of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) and the US Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights, Nigeria Office.

In response to the allegations, the Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda, quickly denied any wrongdoing. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, responded by explaining that the police had arrested all individuals involved in the incident and successfully recovered one of the stolen vehicles. However, Edafe clarified that the main suspect, Orshieda, presented proof that he had purchased the vehicles from Mrs. Okeoghene’s son, including the original customs papers for the vehicles. According to the police statement, when Mrs. Okeoghene learned that her son had sold the cars, she allegedly fled with her son and began making false claims and petitions.

The situation remains under investigation, and Mrs. Okeoghene is determined to see justice served, calling attention to the serious allegations of police misconduct and exploitation.

Newsflash Nigeria is an online newspaper that is developed and written exclusively for Nigerians. It’s packed with up-to-the-minute Local and National Economy News, Share & Capital Market, Health, Sports, Education, Technology, Business and Opinions.

To make further advert enquiries or place an order, please contact us at [email protected] and +2348053316946 and WhatsApp number 08033546732