The Edo State Police Command has dismantled a criminal syndicate involving serving and dismissed police personnel accused of orchestrating abductions, unlawful arrests and extortion of residents in Benin City, dismissing five officers and reducing another in rank following an extensive investigation.
Addressing journalists in Benin City, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the operation underscored the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to rid the Nigeria Police Force of corruption and abuse of office.
According to the command, the investigation was launched under the leadership of the former Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, following multiple complaints from members of the public alleging harassment, illegal arrests, abduction and extortion by individuals posing as police officers.
Investigators discovered that the syndicate operated around the Teboga axis off Aduwawa in Benin City, where unsuspecting victims were intercepted, forced into commercial buses under the guise of police operations and driven around the city before being compelled to withdraw money through Point-of-Sale (PoS) operators in exchange for their freedom.
Acting on intelligence, operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID) arrested members of the syndicate on April 13, 2026, bringing the criminal operation to an end.
Police said investigations revealed that the group functioned as an organised criminal network comprising serving police officers, dismissed officers, commercial bus drivers and civilian accomplices who allegedly collaborated to abduct and extort innocent residents.
The command disclosed that more than 11 victims have so far identified members of the syndicate, providing detailed accounts of unlawful arrests, intimidation, abduction and forced cash withdrawals. It added that investigations remain ongoing, with more victims continuing to come forward.
Following disciplinary proceedings, Inspector Ehubariemen Wisdom of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Benin, was found guilty of misconduct and demoted from the rank of Inspector to Sergeant.
Five other officers were dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force over their alleged roles in the criminal enterprise and will face prosecution. They are Corporal Mordi Philip of Okhuaihe Division, Corporal Destiny Emmanuel of the Department of Operations, Corporal Uwatse Emmanuel of Police Mobile Force Squadron 60, Corporal Okon Elvis of Police Mobile Force Squadron 60, and Corporal Samuel David Obeten of Police Mobile Force Squadron 82.
The command also declared Inspector Enahoro Nicholas of Police Mobile Force Squadron 60 a deserter after he reportedly absconded during the investigation. Police said efforts were underway to apprehend him for prosecution.
The police warned serving officers nationwide that abuse of office, corruption, extortion and other forms of criminality would no longer be tolerated, stressing that any officer found violating the law would be investigated, dismissed where necessary and prosecuted.
It also cautioned PoS operators and members of the public against aiding criminal activities, warning that anyone found facilitating extortion, fraudulent financial transactions or laundering proceeds of crime would be prosecuted.
The command commended victims whose reports led to the breakthrough and urged other victims or witnesses with relevant information to come forward to strengthen the ongoing prosecution.
Reaffirming the Force’s commitment to professionalism, transparency and accountability, the command said officers who uphold ethical standards would continue to be recognised, while those who betray public trust would have no place in the Nigeria Police Force.
“The era of impunity is over,” the command declared, insisting that no individual would be allowed to hide behind the police uniform to oppress the citizens the Force is mandated to protect.
