By Seyi Odewale
The immediate past Vice Chairman/Chairman of the Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Warri Branch, John-Larry Ojukoko, has challenged the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi John Oyeniyi, to dismantle illegal roadblocks across the state.
He warned that the proliferation of unauthorised checkpoints has become a breeding ground for extortion and abuse of citizens’ rights.
Ojukoko made the call while commending the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, for ordering the immediate removal of illegal roadblocks across Rivers State and directing officers to desist from extortion and other forms of misconduct.
He described the Rivers command’s action as a bold demonstration of professional policing. He urged the Delta Police Command to adopt similar measures in the interest of justice, public confidence and the rule of law.
“Illegal roadblocks and extortion have no place in our Constitution and the Police Act,” Ojukoko declared.
The legal practitioner specifically urged the Delta Police Commissioner to dismantle unauthorised checkpoints in Warri, Effurun, Osubi, Orerokpe, Eku, DSC Roundabout, Ebrumede, Express Junction and other strategic locations where motorists and commuters allegedly face persistent harassment.
According to him, the growing number of stop-and-search points along the NPA Expressway, Jakpa Road, Airport Road and adjoining highways has subjected law-abiding residents to needless delays, intimidation and extortion by some police personnel.
Ojukoko argued that such practices violate both the Constitution and the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which clearly regulate the circumstances under which police officers may stop and search members of the public.
He noted that Section 34(1) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to dignity and protection from degrading treatment, insisting that indiscriminate roadblocks mounted for extortion amount to a violation of that fundamental right.
He further cited Section 24 of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which empowers police officers to stop, search or detain individuals only where there is reasonable suspicion that an offence has been committed.
“Stop-and-search must be intelligence-led, targeted and based on reasonable suspicion. Indiscriminate roadblocks that serve as avenues for extortion and harassment are illegal and must stop forthwith,” he said.
The human rights lawyer also reminded the police hierarchy that Section 24(6) of the Police Act criminalises the demand or receipt of gratification by any police officer while performing official duties.
He therefore urged the Delta Police Commissioner to direct Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers in Warri, Uvwie, Orerokpe, Isiokolo and neighbouring communities to immediately dismantle all unauthorised roadblocks not backed by operational directives from the Inspector-General of Police.
Ojukoko further called for disciplinary action against officers involved in extortion, intimidation and unlawful stop-and-search operations, while insisting that supervising officers should be held accountable for the conduct of personnel under their command.
“Policing must be lawful, professional and people-centred. Supervising officers must be held responsible for the misconduct of officers under their command in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s zero-tolerance policy on impunity,” he stated.
He reaffirmed his commitment to promoting the rule of law, expressing confidence that decisive action by the Delta State Police Command would improve public trust, enhance police-community relations, and reinforce professionalism within the Force.
