Dare Babalola
The Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Police Command, Bright Edafe, has defended Deputy Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi following allegations of harassment, extortion, and unlawful arrests leveled against him by a social media user.
Edafe, reacting via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, described the accusations as a backlash from criminal elements unsettled by intensified police operations in the state. According to him, the claims are part of a deliberate attempt to discredit a senior officer who has been actively leading efforts to dismantle entrenched criminal networks in Delta.
“Criminals always fight back, and that is what is playing out,” Edafe stated, asserting that Adejobi remains one of the most dedicated and hands-on officers he has encountered in recent times.
The Delta police spokesman emphasised that Adejobi, despite his rank as a Deputy Commissioner of Police, has taken a frontline role in security operations, personally leading raids on criminal hideouts and black spots across the state.
He credited the officer with spearheading operations that led to the shutdown of at least two notorious drug cartels previously believed to be untouchable.
According to Edafe, these actions have disrupted powerful criminal interests, which he said are now retaliating through coordinated misinformation campaigns aimed at undermining public trust in the police.
“He touched people who always felt they were untouchable, and now they are fighting back,” Edafe added, warning Nigerians against hastily believing or amplifying unverified allegations.
The police defense comes in response to a viral post by an X user, identified as Samuel Omogor, who accused Adejobi and his team of engaging in widespread human rights abuses during recent operations in Delta State.
In the post, the user alleged that police operatives carried out indiscriminate raids on hotels, bars, shops, and public gatherings, arresting about 270 “innocent Nigerians” in a single sweep without prior investigation or evidence linking them to criminal activity.
The user further claimed that those arrested were forced to pay as much as ₦200,000 to secure their release, describing the alleged practice as “robbery” and accusing the police of betraying their constitutional duty to protect citizens.
The post also called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to order an immediate investigation into the activities of Adejobi and his team, while suggesting that the officer be redeployed from Delta State.
The allegations have sparked heated debates online, with concerns raised about the legality of mass arrests and the conduct of police operations. The user behind the claims referenced the legacy of the EndSARS protests, warning that continued abuses could trigger renewed nationwide outrage.
He argued that indiscriminate policing tactics risk eroding public confidence and could escalate tensions between citizens and law enforcement authorities.
Responding to the growing controversy, Edafe urged the public to exercise restraint and avoid targeting officers who are actively working to combat crime. He maintained that the backlash against Adejobi is misplaced and serves the interests of criminal groups seeking to evade justice.
“Let’s be careful who we attack and abuse. We are attacking the wrong person,” he cautioned.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force has not issued an official statement addressing the specific allegations of extortion and unlawful detention.
However, the development has added to ongoing scrutiny of police conduct in Nigeria, particularly in the context of balancing aggressive crime-fighting strategies with the protection of citizens’ rights.
