The Delta State Police Command has rearrested a church worshipper who had previously been granted bail after being randomly detained on New Year’s Eve in Asaba. The move comes after the worshipper, along with others, publicly alleged extortion by police officers.

On December 31, police led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Adejobi Olumuyiwa carried out random arrests of over 40 individuals attending crossover night church services across Asaba, including Inter-Bau Roundabout and Direct Labour Agency (DLA) Road. Several of the detainees accused the command of extorting sums between ₦150,000 and ₦200,000 before granting bail.

Following the arrests, suspects were handed over to CSP Inusa Gwaza, commander of the Eagle Net unit. While the police described those detained as “hoodlums” who attacked officers, threw fireworks, and obstructed commuters, reports indicate that many were simply on their way to or from church services and may have been falsely accused.

Shortly after reports of the alleged extortion were published, Benjamin Eboka, a Delta State Fire Service staff member who had been granted bail, was reportedly lured to the police command to collect his impounded vehicle. There, he was rearrested and detained for allegedly exposing the extortion to the media.

Eyewitnesses and sources told SaharaReporters that Eboka had no involvement in the publication but was still held in police custody at the time of reporting. He had originally been arrested alongside friends while traveling to a church service on DLA Road.

“The police extort, intimidate, and frame innocent citizens all for money,” a source lamented, urging the new Commissioner of Police to intervene and ensure Eboka’s unconditional release.

As of this report, Eboka remains in detention.