The Edo State Police Command has dismissed five serving police officers and demoted another after uncovering an alleged criminal network involving police personnel, commercial bus drivers and civilian accomplices accused of abducting and extorting residents in Benin City.
The Command disclosed that the disciplinary measures followed a comprehensive investigation into repeated complaints of harassment, unlawful arrests, abductions and extortion allegedly carried out by individuals posing as police operatives around the Temboga area, off Aduwawa, Benin City.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Eno Ikoedem, said investigations uncovered an organised syndicate made up of serving and dismissed police officers, commercial bus drivers and civilians who allegedly targeted unsuspecting members of the public.
According to her, victims were reportedly intercepted on the road, forced into commercial buses under the guise of legitimate police operations and driven around the city while being threatened and intimidated.
She said the victims were then compelled to withdraw money through Point-of-Sale (POS) operators before they were eventually released.
The police spokesperson explained that operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID), acting on credible intelligence, arrested members of the syndicate on April 13, 2026.
She added that more than 11 victims have so far identified members of the group, while investigations remain ongoing as more complainants continue to come forward.
Following the conclusion of orderly room proceedings, Inspector Ehubariemen Wisdom, attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Benin, was demoted to the rank of Sergeant over his alleged involvement.
The Command also announced the dismissal of Corporals Mordi Philip, Destiny Emmanuel, Uwatse Emmanuel, Okon Elvis and Samuel David Obeten from the Nigeria Police Force.
Ikoedem said the disciplinary action was taken in line with the zero-tolerance policy of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, against corruption, misconduct and criminality within the Force.
She reiterated the IGP’s position that impunity would no longer be tolerated, warning that any officer found abusing public trust would face dismissal and prosecution.
The Command also cautioned Point-of-Sale operators and members of the public against aiding criminal activities, stressing that anyone found assisting criminals in extortion or laundering illicit proceeds would be arrested and prosecuted.
Ikoedem commended the victims whose reports led to the exposure of the syndicate and encouraged others with relevant information to cooperate with investigators as the case progresses.
She reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and the rule of law, assuring 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.
