Police Uncover Extortion Ring Linked to Dismissed Officer in Edo

The Edo State Police Command has dismantled an extortion ring linked to a dismissed personnel and other suspects disguising themselves as law enforcement officers to perpetrate heinous crimes within Benin City and its environs.

In a Monday statement signed by Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the suspects were arrested following several complaints from members of the public alleging harassment, abduction, and extortion by individuals posing as police officers.

According to the statement, the suspects reportedly operate along the Teboga axis off Aduwawa, where they unlawfully stop unsuspecting citizens, forcefully convey them around various roads within Benin City, and eventually take them to Point of Sale (POS) operators to fraudulently extort money from them under duress.

The statement reads, “Disturbed by the gravity of these allegations, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, immediately ordered a discreet and intelligence-driven investigation into the matter. Through sustained surveillance, technical intelligence, and coordinated operations by operatives of the Command, the criminal network was successfully busted.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects, including some serving and dismissed police personnel, formed a well-organised criminal syndicate responsible for a series of serious crimes, including abduction and extortion of innocent citizens. They exploited police accoutrements to deceive victims and carried out their operations with impunity, thereby bringing the name of the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute.”

The suspects arrested include a POS Operator identified as Goodluck Jaja, one dismissed officer identified as Destiny Emmanuel, five police officers, ASP Bonny Paul Onajite, Inspector Ehubarieme Wisdom, Inspector Arebame God’s Power, Corporal Mordi Philip, Corporal Okon Elvis and two mini bus drivers identified as Samuel Nicholas and Etim Bright.

The statement revealed that the serving personnel are currently undergoing internal disciplinary procedures, including orderly room trials.

“Upon conclusion of these processes and the ongoing investigation, they will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction to face the full weight of the law,” the statement reads.

The Command’s Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, urge victims who may have encountered or fallen prey to this organised criminal gang to come forward and assist the Police with useful information that will aid further investigation and prosecution.