The Delta State Police Command has firmly denied allegations of extortion amounting to N2,186,000, as claimed by one Mrs. Gladys Obogu Okeoghene. In a rejoinder issued on January 28, 2025, the command described the accusations as false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt by Mrs. Ubogu to evade justice while garnering public sympathy.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, the matter began on October 22, 2024, when Mrs. Obogu filed a petition to the Area Commander in Warri, Delta State. She alleged that a car dealer absconded with the proceeds from the sale of two vehicles—a Mercedes Benz GLK and a Mercedes Benz C400—after selling them at her and her son’s instruction. The dealer, she claimed, blocked all communication and failed to deliver the proceeds.
A discreet investigation led to the arrest of six suspects in Lagos and Abuja: Olayemi Abiodun Moses, Nowoke Precious, Tempo Mumandira Billion, Fabian Chinonso Udeh, Ahmed Farouk, and David Solomon. Subsequent investigations narrowed the case to David Solomon, the dealer, who was charged with fraudulent conversion of the Mercedes Benz C400.
However, new findings revealed discrepancies in Mrs. Ubogu’s initial claims. It was discovered that the GLK had been sold for N4,000,000, and the funds were sent directly to her son’s account by the buyer, Austin. Evidence of this transaction was found in her son’s phone via SMS bank alerts.
Following these revelations, the police instructed that the previously recovered Mercedes Benz C400 be returned for further investigation. Mrs. Ubogu, however, abandoned the vehicle and the case entirely, presumably to shield her son from scrutiny.
The Delta State Police emphasized that at no point did they extort money from Mrs. Ubogu, as alleged in the reports circulating in the media. The command also called on journalists and social media users to verify information before publication.
Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda assured the public of the command’s commitment to justice while urging transparency and accountability in such matters.
