The Edo State Police Command says it has dismantled a criminal syndicate involving serving and dismissed police personnel accused of harassing, abducting and extorting innocent citizens in Benin City. Addressing journalists in Benin, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the operation followed months of intelligence-driven investigations launched……
The Edo State Police Command says it has dismantled a criminal syndicate involving serving and dismissed police personnel accused of harassing, abducting and extorting innocent citizens in Benin City.
Addressing journalists in Benin, the Police Public Relations Officer, 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.
ASP 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.
The 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.
