The Edo State Police Command has dismissed five of its operatives and dismantled a criminal syndicate accused of harassing, abducting, and extorting unsuspecting members of the public in Benin City.
The development was disclosed on Monday in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, who revealed that the network comprised 10 individuals, including serving and dismissed police personnel, Point of Sale (POS) operators, and commercial drivers.
Those identified in connection with the syndicate include Goodluck Jaja ‘M’ (POS Operator), ASP Bonny Onajite, Inspector Ehubarieme Wisdom ‘M’, Inspector Arebame God’s Power ‘M’, Corporal Mordi Philip ‘M’, Destiny Emmanuel ‘M’ (Dismissed Police Corporal), Corporal Okon Elvis ‘M’, Samuel Nicholas ‘M’ (Mini Bus Driver), and Etim Bright ‘M’ (Mini Bus Driver).
Detailing the operation, the statement said:
“The Edo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, wishes to inform the general public of a major breakthrough in the fight against criminal elements disguising as law enforcement officers to perpetrate heinous crimes within Benin City and its environs.
“The Command had, in recent times, received several complaints from members of the public alleging harassment, abduction, and extortion by individuals posing as police officers.
“These suspects reportedly operate along the Teboga axis off Aduwawa, where they unlawfully stop unsuspecting citizens, forcefully convey them around various roads within Benin City, and eventually take them to Point of Sale (POS) operators to fraudulently extort money from them under duress.”
According to the Command, the disturbing trend prompted the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, to order a discreet, intelligence-led investigation.
The operation, driven by surveillance and coordinated tactical efforts, led to the eventual bust of the syndicate.
Preliminary findings, the police said, indicated that the group operated as a coordinated criminal ring involving both serving and former officers who exploited police gear and authority to deceive and intimidate victims.
The statement added:
“Those who are serving personnel have been dismissed. Upon conclusion of these processes and the ongoing investigation, they will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction to face the full weight of the law.
“The Command hereby calls on all victims who may have encountered or fallen prey to this organised criminal gang to come forward and assist the Police with useful information that will aid further investigation and prosecution.
“Furthermore, the Edo State Police Command uses this medium to strongly warn all POS operators and merchants to be wary of any individual, including persons in police uniform, who attempt to use their facilities for unlawful transactions or extortion. Any POS operator found to be complicit in such illegal activities will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.”
Reaffirming its stance, the Command said it remains committed to restoring public trust and sanitising the system in line with the reform agenda of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
