The Delta State Police Command has refuted claims made by Mrs. Gladys Ubogu Okeoghene, who accused officers of extorting ₦2.186 million from her.
The police described her allegations as misleading and a deliberate attempt to evade justice while garnering public sympathy.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Edafe Bright, the controversy stems from a petition filed by Mrs. Okeoghene on October 22, 2024. I
n her petition, she alleged that a car dealer took possession of two Mercedes-Benz vehicles—a GLK and a C400—on her directive to sell them and purchase another car. However, she claimed the dealer sold the vehicles, kept the money, and cut off communication.
Following an investigation ordered by the Area Commander in Warri, six suspects were confirmed to have been arrested in Lagos and Abuja.
The main suspect, David Solomon, was charged in court for fraudulently converting the Mercedes-Benz C400. The vehicle was subsequently recovered.
Further findings, however, according to the statement, contradicted Mrs. Okeoghene’s initial claims. Stating that police investigations revealed that the GLK had been legitimately sold for ₦4 million, and the payment was made directly to her son, Highness Onoruikpe, with proof of transaction obtained from the buyer.
The discrepancy, was said to have led police to re-examine the case, prompting them to retrieve the previously recovered C400 for further investigation.
Mrs. Okeoghene, upon learning of the new findings, reportedly abandoned the vehicle and distanced herself from the case to avoid exposing her son’s involvement. The police strongly denied ever extorting money from her.
In the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, urged the media and the public to verify facts before spreading unverified claims.