Police arrest officers over alleged extortion in Edo

 CHRIS AKHABUE, Edo

The Edo State Police Command has arrested six serving police officers, including an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and two inspectors, over alleged involvement in harassment, abduction, and extortion.

Also arrested in connection with the case are a dismissed police corporal, two commercial bus drivers, and a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator.

The suspects were apprehended following sustained surveillance, intelligence gathering, and coordinated operations by the command.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said the arrests were prompted by multiple complaints from members of the public.

According to her, both serving and dismissed personnel allegedly formed a well-organised criminal syndicate responsible for a series of offences, including the abduction and extortion of unsuspecting citizens.

She identified the suspects as ASP Bonny Paul Onajite, Inspector Ehubarieme Wisdom, Inspector Arebame God’s Power, and Corporal Mordi Philip. Others include Destiny Emmanuel, a dismissed corporal; Corporal Okon Elvis; Samuel Nicholas and Etim Bright, both minibus drivers; and Goodluck Jaja, a POS operator.

Ikoedem stated that the syndicate allegedly exploited police uniforms and equipment to deceive victims and carried out their activities with impunity, thereby bringing the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute.

“The serving officers are currently undergoing internal disciplinary procedures, including orderly room trials. Upon conclusion of these processes and ongoing investigations, they will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has cautioned POS operators and business owners to be vigilant and avoid facilitating unlawful transactions, even when approached by individuals in police uniform.

He warned that any operator found complicit in criminal activities would face arrest and prosecution.

The commissioner also called on victims of the alleged syndicate to come forward with credible information to aid ongoing investigations and prosecution.

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