The Nigeria Police Force in Delta State has ordered the orderly room trial of two officers accused of extorting motorists using a Point of Sale (PoS) machine within a police station.

The Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, directed the disciplinary action against Inspector Augustine Jeremiah and Corporal Miracle Ehirim following a viral video alleging misconduct at the ‘C’ Division Headquarters in Asaba.

Police spokesperson Bright Edafe confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday, describing the officers’ actions as “embarrassing” and “unprofessional.”

The controversy stemmed from video clips shared by activist Harrison Gwaminshu, which allegedly showed officers demanding money from a motorist who was brought into the station, with a PoS operator present to facilitate the transaction.

In one of the clips, the motorist was reportedly pressured to transfer money, eventually paying over N50,000 without being informed of any offence.

Edafe said the conduct violated directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, which prohibit extortion and the use of electronic payment systems within police formations.

He stressed that no officer is authorised to demand or receive money from citizens under any circumstances, adding that the ongoing trial’s outcome would be made public.

The police command said the disciplinary action is intended to serve as a deterrent, reiterating that officers must uphold professionalism and respect citizens’ fundamental rights.

The incident adds to ongoing concerns over police misconduct in Nigeria, including cases of extortion, brutality and abuse of office, despite repeated assurances of reforms by authorities.