The Nigeria Police Force Complaint Response Unit (NPF-CRU) has confirmed that CSP Joseph Udoh, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of GRA Police Division, Asaba, has been summoned to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for questioning over allegations of extortion and abuse of office.
According to the police complaint acknowledged by the NPF-CRU, the DPO is expected in Abuja next week to respond to allegations arising from the arrest and detention of a man (Tomi Akporoghene Wojuola) who reportedly rushed a collapsed man to the hospital in an attempt to save his life.
Tomi, the complainant narrated that the incident occurred earlier this year after he stopped to assist a young man who had collapsed on the road. Acting on medical advice received over the phone, he transported him to a hospital. Unfortunately, the man was pronounced dead on arrival.
In line with protocol, he requested that the police be informed, as he did not know the deceased personally. However, upon reporting the matter at the GRA Police Station, Asaba, he was allegedly accused of murder, had his statement taken under caution, and was detained.
Tomi further alleged that CSP Joseph Udoh personally threatened him, stating he would “deal with” him for attempting to help, warning that the experience would discourage him from assisting anyone in distress in the future. This, he said, occurred despite the deceased man’s family confirming that he had an existing medical condition.
He claimed that only the intervention of a senior government official prevented him from being formally charged with murder. Despite this intervention, he alleged that he was still forced to pay bail sums far exceeding the balance in his bank account, leaving him with just ₦2,000 after his release.
The case has since drawn widespread public attention, reigniting concerns about police conduct discouraging citizens from rendering emergency assistance, for fear of arrest or extortion.
In an official response to the complaint, the NPF-CRU confirmed that the DPO of GRA Asaba has been summoned to Abuja for questioning, assuring that the matter is under review.
As the year draws to a close, the complainant expressed gratitude for his freedom, noting that many Nigerians remain incarcerated over lesser circumstances, and called for accountability and reform within the system.
