Edo Police Dismiss Five Officers, Demote Inspector Over Alleged Abduction and Extortion

The Edo State Police Command has dismissed five police officers, demoted one inspector and declared another officer a deserter following investigations into an alleged criminal syndicate accused of abducting, unlawfully arresting and extorting residents in Benin City.

The announcement was made during a press conference by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, who said the disciplinary actions followed an extensive intelligence-driven investigation into a group operating under the guise of law enforcement.

According to the command, the action reflects the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, that no police officer found culpable of criminal conduct would be shielded from justice. The police said the Force remains committed to sanitising its ranks, strengthening public confidence and ensuring accountability among its personnel.

ASP Ikoedem disclosed that the investigation was launched after the command received several complaints from members of the public alleging harassment, unlawful arrests, abduction and extortion by individuals identifying themselves as police officers.

He said investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly operated around the Teboga axis off Aduwawa in Benin City, where unsuspecting residents were intercepted, forced into commercial buses under the pretext of police operations and driven around different parts of the city before being compelled to withdraw money through Point-of-Sale operators to secure their release.

The police said operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID), acting on credible intelligence, arrested members of the syndicate on April 13, 2026, bringing the group’s activities to an end.

According to the command, the syndicate comprised serving police officers, dismissed police personnel, commercial bus drivers and civilian collaborators who allegedly worked together to target innocent members of the public for abduction and extortion.

The police further disclosed that more than 11 victims have positively identified members of the syndicate and provided detailed accounts of how they were allegedly intimidated, abducted and forced to part with money. It added that investigations are ongoing as additional victims continue to come forward with useful information.

Following disciplinary proceedings, Inspector Ehubariemen Wisdom, attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Benin, was found guilty of misconduct and reduced in rank from Inspector to Sergeant.

The command also announced the dismissal of five officers who will be prosecuted over their alleged involvement in the criminal activities. They are Corporal Mordi Philip of Okhuaihe Division, Corporal Destiny Emmanuel of the Department of Operations, Corporal Uwatse Emmanuel of Police Mobile Force Squadron 60, Corporal Okon Elvis of Police Mobile Force Squadron 60, and Corporal Samuel David Obeten of Police Mobile Force Squadron 82.

In addition, Inspector Enahoro Nicholas, attached to Police Mobile Force Squadron 60, has been declared a deserter after reportedly going into hiding. The command said efforts are ongoing to apprehend him so he can face the law.