Friday, July 31, 2026 - The Edo State Police Command has dismantled an alleged criminal syndicate involving serving and dismissed police personnel, commercial bus drivers and civilian collaborators accused of abducting and extorting members of the public.
Addressing journalists in Benin on Thursday, July 30, 2026,
the spokesperson for the command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the operation followed
months of intelligence-driven investigations launched after several complaints
from members of the public.
According to her, victims alleged that the suspects operated
around the Teboga axis off Aduwawa, where they intercepted unsuspecting
residents under the guise of legitimate police operations, forced them into
commercial buses, drove them around the city and compelled them to withdraw
money through Point-of-Sale operators before releasing them.
The police spokesperson disclosed that operatives of the
State Intelligence Department arrested members of the syndicate on April 13,
2026, bringing their activities to an end.
Investigations, she said, revealed that the criminal network
comprised serving police officers, dismissed officers, commercial bus drivers
and civilian collaborators who allegedly worked together to abduct and extort
members of the public.
Ikoedem said more than eleven victims have so far identified
members of the syndicate and provided detailed accounts of their experiences,
while investigations continue as additional victims come forward.
As part of disciplinary measures, Inspector Ehubariemen
Wisdom of the State Criminal Investigation Department was reduced in rank to
Sergeant after being found guilty of misconduct.
She also announced the dismissal of five police
corporals—Mordi Philip, Destiny Emmanuel, Uwatse Emmanuel, Okon Elvis and
Samuel David Obeten—who will face prosecution over their alleged involvement in
the criminal activities.
The Command further revealed that Inspector Enahoro
Nicholas, attached to Police Mobile Force Squadron 60, has been declared a
deserter and is currently at large, with efforts ongoing to arrest him.
Reaffirming the directive of the Inspector-General of
Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the Command stressed that no officer found
abusing the privileges of the uniform would be shielded from investigation or
prosecution.
The police also warned Point-of-Sale operators and members
of the public against collaborating with criminal elements, noting that anyone
found facilitating extortion, fraudulent transactions or laundering proceeds of
crime would be prosecuted.
Command commended victims who reported the incidents,
describing their cooperation as instrumental to dismantling the syndicate, and
urged others with useful information to come forward as investigations and
prosecution continue.
The Edo State Police Command maintained that its commitment
to professionalism, accountability and restoring public confidence remains
unwavering, insisting that the era of impunity within the Nigeria Police Force
is over
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