Edo Police Dismiss Five Officers, Demote One in Major Crackdown on Misconduct

The Edo State Police Command has dismissed five serving police officers and demoted another in one of its most significant disciplinary actions in recent months, as part of efforts to rid the command of personnel accused of criminal conduct and professional misconduct.

The action followed investigations into allegations that some officers were involved in a syndicate accused of harassment, abduction and extortion of members of the public in parts of Benin City. The command described the disciplinary measures as a demonstration of its commitment to accountability and professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force.

According to the Edo State Police Command, investigations uncovered a 10-member syndicate comprising serving police officers, a dismissed police corporal, Point-of-Sale (PoS) operators and commercial bus drivers.

The suspects allegedly intercepted unsuspecting residents around the Teboga axis of Aduwawa in Benin City, abducted them and forced them to transfer money through PoS operators before releasing them.

The five dismissed officers include ASP Bonny Onajite, Inspector Ehubarieme Wisdom, Inspector Arebame God’s Power, Corporal Mordi Philip, and Corporal Okon Elvis. Authorities also identified dismissed corporal Destiny Emmanuel, PoS operator Goodluck Jaja, and commercial bus drivers Samuel Nicholas and Etim Bright among those connected to the case.

In addition to the dismissals, the command confirmed that one police officer was reduced in rank after being found culpable during internal disciplinary proceedings.

Police authorities said the sanctions followed established procedures, including orderly room trials, and were imposed after sufficient evidence supported the allegations against the affected personnel.

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, said the command would not tolerate officers who betray the trust placed in them by the public.

He stressed that the police remain committed to protecting lives and property while ensuring that any officer found engaging in criminal activities faces the full weight of the law.

The command also assured residents that investigations are continuing and that anyone else linked to the syndicate would be prosecuted.

The police encouraged residents to continue reporting cases of extortion, harassment, unlawful detention and other forms of misconduct involving security personnel.

Officials noted that public cooperation is essential in identifying rogue officers and strengthening public confidence in law enforcement.

The Edo Command reiterated that the disciplinary action reflects the broader efforts of the Nigeria Police Force to improve professionalism, restore public trust and ensure that officers who violate the law are held accountable.