Mid-West Bar Forum Petitions Police Over Alleged Rights Abuse by DPO in Delta

The Mid-West Bar Forum, an umbrella body of lawyers from Delta and Edo States, has petitioned the Delta State Commissioner of Police over alleged rights violations by the Divisional Police Officer, (DPO)of Jesse Police Division, CSP Chidi Nwabuzor.

In the petition dated September 17, 2025, and signed by its Chairman, Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun, SAN, and Secretary, Kelly O. Ogbe, the Forum accused the officer of illegal detention of suspects, extortion, intimidation, and verbal assault on a Chief Magistrate during an official duty.

According to the petition, the Forum received reports from the Sapele branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) concerning incidents at the Jesse Police Station in Ethiope West Local Government Area earlier in the year.

The Forum alleged that CSP Nwabuzor routinely detains suspects beyond the constitutionally prescribed 48 hours, demanding huge sums of money for bail.

It further claimed that during a routine inspection of police cells, Chief Magistrate Tegwolo Okungbowa of Magistrate Court 1, Jesse, discovered suspects unlawfully detained for bailable offences. Despite her advice to release them on bail or charge them to court, they reportedly remained in custody weeks later.

The petition also stated that when the Magistrate confronted the DPO over the prolonged detention, he allegedly responded rudely, ordered an officer to record her on video, verbally assaulted her, and threatened to “deal ruthlessly” with her. The DPO was also quoted as boasting of having protection from the State Police Commissioner.

The Mid-West Bar Forum condemned the alleged conduct, describing it as a violation of the 1999 Constitution, the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Delta State, and the Nigeria Police Act, 2020.

It called for:

. An immediate investigation into the allegations.

. The transfer of CSP Nwabuzor from Jesse Police Division.

. The release on bail or prompt arraignment of all suspects unlawfully detained at the station.

The Forum also urged that suspects facing capital offences be transferred to the State Command Headquarters in Asaba and handled in line with due process.

Copies of the petition were forwarded to the Chief Judge of Delta State. The Forum stressed that its demands were anchored on respect for the rule of law and the protection of citizens’ constitutional rights.

As of press time, the Delta State Police Command had yet to issue an official response to the petition.