The Edo state police command says it has dismissed five police officers and demoted another over their alleged involvement in a criminal syndicate accused of harassing, abducting and extorting residents in Benin City.
In a statement, Eno Ikoedem, police spokesperson in the
state, said the action followed months of intelligence-driven investigations
launched after the command received several complaints from members of the
public.
Ikoedem said the investigation uncovered an organised
criminal network allegedly made up of serving police officers, dismissed
officers, commercial bus drivers and civilian collaborators who targeted
unsuspecting residents for abduction and extortion.
She said victims reported that members of the syndicate
operated around the Teboga axis off Aduwawa in Benin City, the Edo state
capital, where they intercepted residents, forced them into commercial buses
under the guise of police operations, drove them around the city and compelled
them to withdraw money through point-of-sale (PoS) operators before releasing
them.
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Edo
State Police Command State Intelligence Department (SID) traced and arrested
members of this syndicate on 13th April, 2026, bringing their criminal
enterprise to an abrupt end,” the statement reads.
“The investigation has revealed that the suspects were
operating as an organised criminal network comprising serving police personnel,
dismissed police personnel, commercial bus drivers, and civilian collaborators
who systematically targeted innocent members of the public for abduction and
extortion.
“So far, more than eleven victims have positively identified
members of this syndicate, giving detailed accounts of how they were unlawfully
arrested, intimidated, abducted, and forced to surrender money under duress.
Investigations remain ongoing, and additional victims are still coming forward
with valuable information.”
The police spokesperson identified the dismissed officers as
Mordi Philip, Destiny Emmanuel, Uwatse Emmanuel, Okon Elvis, and Samuel David
Obeten.
Ikoedem said the five officers, all corporals, would be
prosecuted over their alleged involvement in the criminal activities.
According to her, more than 11 victims have identified
members of the syndicate and provided detailed accounts of how they were
unlawfully arrested, intimidated, abducted and forced to surrender money under
duress.
She said investigations are ongoing as more victims continue
to come forward.
Ikoedem said the investigation aligns with the policy
direction of Olatunji Disu, the inspector-general of police (IGP), that no
officer found culpable of criminal conduct would be shielded.
Ikoedem added that Ehubariemen Wisdom, an inspector attached
to the state criminal investigation department (SCID), Benin, was reduced in
rank to sergeant after being found guilty of misconduct.
She also said Enahoro Nicholas, an inspector attached to the
Police Mobile Force Squadron 60, has been declared a deserter, adding that
efforts are underway to arrest him.
The police warned officers against abuse of office,
corruption, extortion and other forms of misconduct.
“The Nigeria Police Force will no longer tolerate any abuse
of office, corruption, extortion, or criminality within its ranks. Any officer
who betrays the public trust will be identified, investigated, dismissed where
appropriate, and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” she added.
“We equally wish to warn Point-of-Sale operators and other
members of the public against collaborating with criminal elements. Anyone
found aiding or facilitating extortion, fraudulent transactions, or the
laundering of proceeds of crime will face the full weight of the law.”
The police spokesperson said the commended victims who
reported the incidents and encouraged others with relevant information to come
forward to support the ongoing prosecution.
“The era of impunity is over. No one is above the law, and
no one will be permitted to hide behind the uniform to oppress the citizens we
are sworn to protect,” Ikoedem said.
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