The Edo State Police Command has dismissed five police officers and demoted another after investigations linked them to an alleged criminal syndicate accused of abducting, intimidating and extorting residents in Benin City.
The command said the disciplinary action followed months of intelligence-led investigations into complaints from members of the public.
Officers to Face Prosecution
Police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem said the investigation uncovered an organised network allegedly involving serving and dismissed police officers working alongside commercial bus drivers.
According to the police, the syndicate operated around the Teboga area off Aduwawa, where victims were allegedly forced into commercial buses under the guise of police operations before being compelled to withdraw money through PoS operators.
Operatives dismantled the group during an operation on April 13, 2026.
Police said more than 11 victims have identified members of the syndicate and reported being unlawfully arrested, intimidated, abducted and forced to surrender money.
The dismissed officers are Corporals Mordi Philip, Destiny Emmanuel, Uwatse Emmanuel, Okon Elvis and Samuel David Obeten. The command said they will be prosecuted.
One Officer Demoted, Another Declared Wanted
Inspector Ehubariemen Wisdom, attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department, was demoted to the rank of sergeant after being found guilty of misconduct.
Another officer, Inspector Enahoro Nicholas of Police Mobile Force Squadron 60, was declared a deserter, with efforts ongoing to arrest him.
Police Warn Against Abuse of Office
The command said the disciplinary measures are in line with the policy of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, that officers found guilty of misconduct will not be protected.
It also warned police personnel against abuse of office, corruption and extortion, while cautioning PoS operators and members of the public against assisting criminal activities or laundering proceeds of crime.
The command commended victims who reported the incidents and urged anyone with relevant information to cooperate with investigators, stressing that no one is above the law.
