Edo Police Dismiss Five Officers Over Extortion Syndicate
The Edo State Police Command has taken decisive action by dismissing five of its operatives following serious allegations of harassment, abduction, and extortion. This development was officially announced in a statement released yesterday in Benin City by the Command's spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem. The dismissed officers were identified as part of a larger 10-member criminal syndicate, which also included former police officers, point-of-sale (PoS) operators, and bus drivers.
Details of the Criminal Network
According to Ikoedem, the suspects operated primarily around the Teboga axis off Aduwawa in Benin City. Their modus operandi involved stopping unsuspecting members of the public, abducting them, and then extorting money through PoS operators. The suspects named in the statement are Goodluck Jaja (a PoS operator), ASP Bonny Onajite, Inspector Ehubarieme Wisdom, Inspector Arebame God's Power, Corporal Mordi Philip, Destiny Emmanuel (a dismissed corporal), Corporal Okon Elvis, Samuel Nicholas (a minibus driver), and Etim Bright (another minibus driver).
Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika ordered a discreet investigation after receiving multiple complaints from the public. Intelligence-led operations subsequently led to the arrest of the suspects. Investigations revealed that they operated a coordinated criminal network, with some exploiting police equipment to deceive victims, thereby bringing disrepute to the force.
Consequences and Warnings
Ikoedem confirmed that the serving personnel involved have been dismissed and will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations. The command has urged victims of the syndicate to come forward with information to aid further investigations. Additionally, a stern warning was issued to PoS operators against aiding unlawful transactions, with a clear message that those found complicit will face prosecution.
Ogun State Police Arrest Two Guards for Murder
In a separate incident, the Ogun State Police Command has arrested two security guards, Isikilu Dauda, aged 55, and Rasaki Abbas, in connection with the killing of a traveller identified as Promise in Ibafo. The tragic event occurred on April 10, 2026.
Investigation and Response
Police operatives responded to a tip-off and found the victim, who stated he had been attacked by security guards after arriving late the previous night. He was confirmed dead on arrival at a hospital. The command's spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, reported that the victim's body has been deposited at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Sagamu for an autopsy.
Preliminary investigations led to the arrest of the two suspects, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend others linked to the incident. Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni condemned the act, assuring the public that those responsible will be brought to justice. He reiterated the command's firm stance against unlawful violence, emphasizing a commitment to maintaining law and order in the state.
