The Delta State Police Command has addressed a viral claim by a concerned woman alleging that officers at the Ekpan Police Division demanded N500,000 to release an 11-year-old girl arrested alongside suspected drug traffickers.
According to the woman, police had intercepted a commercial tricycle (Keke) carrying individuals allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
She stated that the minor, who was among the passengers, was arrested and detained without any opportunity to contact her family.
She further alleged that after discovering the girl in police custody, she was asked to pay N500,000 for the child’s release.
In response, Delta Police spokesperson, DSP Bright Edafe, took to X with a video addressing the incident.
He said the Command launched an immediate inquiry into the matter to determine the facts.
“Yesterday, a user on X alleged that our officers unlawfully detained an innocent 11-year-old girl and extorted money to release her,” Edafe stated. “To ensure transparency, I contacted the division involved for clarification.”
In the video released by the police, a 45-year-old woman, identified as Esther Obunugo, confessed to sending her daughter on the errand that led to her arrest.
“I am the mother of Rejoice, the 11-year-old girl who was caught with the drugs,” Esther said. “I gave her about one hundred thousand naira to go to Jakpa Road in Warri and help me buy Codeine, Tramadol, and Swinol. I’ve been in this line of business for two years now.”
The young girl also gave her side of the story in the video.
“I had the drugs with me in the Keke,” Rejoice admitted. “I put them in a polythene bag and dropped it on the back seat.”
The Delta Police Command has not confirmed if any money was actually paid for bail but emphasized that the case is being handled in accordance with the law, especially given the involvement of a minor.
Edafe concluded by warning against spreading misinformation to mislead the public. “Let’s be responsible with our narratives. The child was not wrongly arrested; the facts speak for themselves,” he said.