Delta DPO Accused of Ordering Flogging, Naked Strip of Women in Police Raid

Delta DPO Accused of Ordering Flogging, Naked Strip of Women in Police Raid

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ugborikoko Police Station in Warri, Delta State, has been accused of ordering officers to brutally assault, strip naked, and force confessions from 15 women during a controversial police raid.

The allegation was made public by human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu and one of the victims, Janet James George, in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), which has since sparked widespread outrage.

According to the victim’s account, the women were arrested during a raid around the Delta Mall area and taken to the Ugborikoko Police Station, where they were detained overnight before the alleged assault occurred the following day.

She alleged that the DPO personally supervised the operation and instructed officers—reportedly dressed in plain clothes—to flog the women with wires and force them to confess to prostitution.

“They flogged us naked… they used wire to flog us… if you say you are not a prostitute, they will slap you and beat you until you agree,” she alleged.

She further claimed that the women were beaten for several hours, forced to sign statements admitting to prostitution, and filmed during the ordeal.

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The victim also alleged that some of the women sustained injuries to sensitive parts of their bodies, making it difficult for them to walk or use the toilet after the incident.

The alleged abuse has drawn strong reactions from rights advocates, who have called for a transparent investigation into the conduct of officers at the station and accountability if the claims are verified.

The incident is said to have occurred on April 10.

Reacting to the viral video, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force in Delta State, DSP Bright Edafe, condemned the allegations, describing them as “painful and very sad.”

He confirmed that the command has begun reviewing the case and assured that appropriate action would be taken.

“The command has received this report… no human being should be given this treatment no matter what. The command is presently giving it all the attention it deserves,” Edafe said.

He also urged the victim to formally reach out to the command to assist ongoing investigations.

The case adds to growing scrutiny of alleged misconduct within police divisions in Nigeria, with renewed calls for reforms, improved accountability, and adherence to human rights standards in law enforcement operations.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing to verify the claims and determine the next steps.

Delta DPO Accused of Ordering Flogging, Naked Strip of Women in Police Raid