Ayomide Awe
The Edo State Police Command has dismissed five serving police officers and demoted another after uncovering an alleged criminal syndicate involving police personnel, commercial bus drivers and civilian accomplices accused of abducting residents and extorting money from them in Benin City.
The command said the disciplinary action followed an investigation into complaints of harassment, unlawful arrest, abduction and extortion allegedly perpetrated by individuals posing as police officers along the Temboga axis, off Aduwawa, in Benin City.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to her, investigations uncovered a coordinated network comprising serving police officers, dismissed personnel, commercial bus drivers and civilian collaborators who allegedly preyed on unsuspecting members of the public.
She said the suspects intercepted victims on the road, forced them into commercial buses under the guise of legitimate police operations and drove them around different parts of Benin City while intimidating them.
The victims, she added, were allegedly compelled to withdraw money through Point-of-Sale operators before being released.
Ikoedem said operatives of the State Intelligence Department arrested members of the syndicate on April 13, 2026, following credible intelligence.
She disclosed that no fewer than 11 victims had positively identified members of the syndicate, while investigations were ongoing as more victims continued to come forward with similar allegations.
Following the conclusion of internal disciplinary proceedings, Inspector Ehubariemen Wisdom, attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Benin, was demoted to the rank of Sergeant over his alleged involvement in the case.
The command also announced the dismissal of five officers identified as Corporal Mordi Philip, Corporal Destiny Emmanuel, Corporal Uwatse Emmanuel, Corporal Okon Elvis and Corporal Samuel David Obeten.
Ikoedem said the sanctions were in line with the policy of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, aimed at eliminating misconduct and criminality within the Force.
She quoted the police hierarchy as declaring that “the era of impunity is over.”
The police spokesperson warned Point-of-Sale operators and members of the public against aiding criminal activities, stressing that anyone found collaborating with criminals in extortion or laundering proceeds of crime would be arrested and prosecuted.
She commended victims who reported the incidents, saying their courage was instrumental in exposing the alleged syndicate, and urged other victims and members of the public with useful information to assist the ongoing prosecution.
“The Nigeria Police Force will no longer tolerate 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,” the statement read.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, accountability and the rule of law, insisting that officers who uphold the ethics of the profession would continue to be recognised, while those involved in criminal conduct would face the full weight of the law.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
