Edo Police Dismiss Five Officers Over Alleged Abduction, Extortion of Residents in Benin City

The Edo State Police Command has dismissed five officers and demoted another over alleged involvement in a criminal syndicate accused of abducting, intimidating and extorting residents in Benin City.

Police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem said the action followed months of intelligence-driven investigations after complaints. The probe uncovered an organised network allegedly comprising serving and dismissed police officers and commercial bus drivers.

The syndicate allegedly operated around the Teboga axis off Aduwawa, where members intercepted residents, forced them into commercial buses under the guise of police operations and compelled them to withdraw money through PoS operators before release.

Police operatives arrested members of the syndicate on April 13, 2026. More than 11 victims have identified members and reported being unlawfully arrested, intimidated, abducted and forced to surrender money under duress. Investigations continue as victims come forward.

The dismissed corporals are Mordi Philip, Destiny Emmanuel, Uwatse Emmanuel, Okon Elvis and Samuel David Obeten. They will be prosecuted.

Ehubariemen Wisdom, an inspector attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department, was demoted to sergeant after being found guilty of misconduct. Enahoro Nicholas, an inspector attached to Police Mobile Force Squadron 60, was declared a deserter, with efforts underway to arrest him.

The command said the action aligns with IGP Olatunji Disu’s policy that culpable officers will not be shielded. Police warned against abuse of office, corruption, extortion and warned PoS operators and others against aiding criminal elements, fraudulent transactions or laundering crime proceeds. Offenders will face the full weight of the law.

The command commended victims who reported the incidents and urged others with information to come forward, stressing that no one is above the law.