FIC Report (Edo State) – The Edo State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to rid the system of criminal elements, with the successful dismantling of an extortion syndicate operating within Benin City and its environs.
This development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc.
According to the statement, the Command had recently received multiple complaints from members of the public concerning cases of harassment, abduction, and extortion allegedly perpetrated by individuals posing as police officers. The suspects were reported to operate around the Teboga axis off Aduwawa, where they intercepted unsuspecting citizens, forcibly transported them across various locations, and compelled them under duress to withdraw money through Point of Sale (POS) operators.
In response to these disturbing reports, the Commissioner of Police ordered a discreet, intelligence-led investigation. Through sustained surveillance and coordinated operations, operatives of the Command successfully uncovered and dismantled the criminal network.
The following suspects were arrested in connection with the crimes: Goodluck Jaja (POS operator); ASP Bonny Paul Onajite; Inspector Ehubarieme Wisdom; Inspector Arebame God’s Power; Corporal Mordi Philip; Destiny Emmanuel (dismissed police corporal); Corporal Okon Elvis; Samuel Nicholas (mini bus driver); and Etim Bright (mini bus driver).
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects, comprising both serving and dismissed police personnel as well as civilian accomplices, formed a well-organised syndicate involved in abduction and extortion. The group reportedly exploited police uniforms and accoutrements to deceive victims and perpetrate their activities, thereby undermining public trust in law enforcement.
The Command confirmed that serving officers implicated in the case are currently undergoing internal disciplinary procedures, including orderly room trials. Upon conclusion of these processes and ongoing investigations, all suspects will be charged to court in accordance with the law.
The Police Command has called on members of the public who may have been victims of the syndicate to come forward with credible information to support ongoing investigations and prosecution.
It further cautioned POS operators and other financial service providers to remain vigilant and avoid facilitating illegal transactions. Any operator found complicit in such activities will be arrested and prosecuted.
Reaffirming its commitment to accountability and professional policing, the Command assured residents of Edo State that it will continue to uphold the mandate of the Inspector-General of Police to sanitise the Force, strengthen public confidence, and ensure that all offenders are brought to justice, irrespective of status.
Members of the public may report complaints through the following channels:
Complaint Response Unit (CRU): 08100389992
Public Complaints Bureau (PCB): 08150999335
Signed:
Daniel Ejodamen
Federal Information Centre, Benin City
13 April 2026
