By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Edo State Police Command has dismantled a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in the harassment, abduction, and extortion of residents in Benin City, arresting several suspects, including serving and dismissed police officers.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem said the operation was carried out on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika following a surge in complaints from the public.
According to the Command, the suspects operated along the Teboga axis off Aduwawa, where they reportedly posed as law enforcement officers to intercept unsuspecting citizens.
The report also revealed those arrested to include Goodluck Jaja, a POS operator; ASP Bonny Paul Onajite; Inspectors Ehubarieme Wisdom and Arebame God’s Power; Corporals Mordi Philip and Okon Elvis; Destiny Emmanuel, a dismissed police corporal; as well as Samuel Nicholas and Etim Bright, both identified as mini-bus drivers.
Victims were allegedly forced into vehicles, driven around parts of Benin City, and later taken to Point of Sale (POS) operators, where money was extorted from them under duress.
The statement noted that the syndicate was uncovered through a discreet, intelligence-led investigation involving surveillance and coordinated operations by police operatives.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the group, comprising both serving and former police personnel alongside civilians, formed a well-organized network responsible for multiple cases of abduction and extortion.
The suspects allegedly used police uniforms and accouterments to deceive victims, thereby tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Command disclosed that the serving officers implicated in the case are currently undergoing internal disciplinary procedures, including **orderly room trials**, after which they will be prosecuted in court.
The police also called on victims of the syndicate to come forward with useful information to aid ongoing investigations and ensure justice is served.
The command further warned POS operators and merchants to avoid facilitating illegal transactions, stressing that any operator found complicit would be arrested and prosecuted.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Command stated it is working in line with the mandate of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu to restore public confidence and ensure accountability within the force.
Residents were encouraged to report complaints through the Complainant Response Unit (CRU) and the Public Complaints Bureau (PCB) lines provided by the Command.