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 collaborators accused of abducting residents and extorting money from them in Benin City.
The Command said the drastic disciplinary action followed an extensive investigation into multiple complaints of harassment, unlawful arrest, abduction and extortion by individuals allegedly posing as police officers along the Temboga axis, off Aduwawa, in Benin City.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, saying the operation exposed a well-organised network comprising serving police officers, dismissed personnel, commercial bus drivers and civilian accomplices who targeted unsuspecting members of the public.
According to Ikoedem, investigations revealed that victims were intercepted on the road, forced into commercial buses under the guise of legitimate police operations and driven around different parts of Benin City while being intimidated.
She explained that the victims were then compelled to withdraw money through Point-of-Sale (POS) operators before they were eventually released.
The police spokesperson said operatives attached to the State Intelligence Department (SID), acting on credible intelligence, tracked and arrested members of the syndicate on April 13, 2026.
She disclosed that more than 11 victims have already positively identified members of the syndicate, while investigations remain ongoing as additional victims continue to come forward with similar allegations.
Following the conclusion of internal disciplinary proceedings, Inspector Ehubariemen Wisdom (AP/No. 324688), 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 five officers from the Nigeria Police Force.
Those dismissed are Corporal Mordi Philip, Corporal Destiny Emmanuel, Corporal Uwatse Emmanuel, Corporal Okon Elvis and Corporal Samuel David Obeten.
According to Ikoedem, the disciplinary measures were taken in line with the policy of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at eliminating misconduct and criminality within the Force.
She quoted the Inspector-General’s position that “the era of impunity is over.”
The police spokesperson also issued a stern warning to 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, noting that their courage helped expose the alleged syndicate.
Ikoedem further urged other victims and members of the public with useful information to come forward to strengthen the ongoing prosecution.
“Let this serve as a clear warning to every police officer across the country. The Nigeria Police Force will no longer tolerate any 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,” she said.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to professionalism, accountability and the rule of law, Ikoedem stated that officers who uphold the ethics and values of the profession would continue to be recognised and rewarded, while those involved in criminal conduct would have no place in the Force.
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