Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Edo State Police Command has dismantled a criminal syndicate involving serving and dismissed police personnel, commercial bus drivers, and civilian collaborators accused of abducting and extorting members of the public in Benin City. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this during a press briefing in Benin on Thursday, July 30, 2026, stating that the operation followed months of intelligence-driven investigations launched after several complaints from members of the public.
According to the police, victims alleged that the suspects operated around the Teboga axis off Aduwawa in Benin City, where they intercepted unsuspecting residents under the guise of legitimate police operations. The syndicate allegedly forced victims into commercial buses, drove them around various parts of the city, and compelled them to withdraw money through Point-of-Sale (POS) operators before releasing them. Operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID), acting on credible intelligence, tracked and arrested members of the syndicate on April 13, 2026.
Investigations revealed that the criminal network comprised serving police officers, dismissed personnel, commercial bus drivers, and civilian collaborators who systematically targeted innocent members of the public. More than eleven victims have positively identified members of the syndicate and provided detailed accounts of their experiences, while investigations continue as additional victims come forward.
Following internal disciplinary proceedings and orderly room trials, Inspector Ehubariemen Wisdom (AP/No. 324688), attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Benin, was found guilty of misconduct and reduced in rank from Inspector to Sergeant. Five other officers were dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force: Corporal Mordi Philip, Corporal Destiny Emmanuel, Corporal Uwatse Emmanuel, Corporal Okon Elvis, and Corporal Samuel David Obeten. The dismissed officers will be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction for their alleged involvement in the criminal activities.
The Command further revealed that Inspector Enahoro Nicholas, attached to Police Mobile Force Squadron 60, has been declared a deserter and is currently at large, with efforts ongoing to apprehend him. The police also warned Point-of-Sale operators and members of the public against collaborating with criminal elements, stressing that anyone found facilitating extortion, fraudulent transactions, or laundering proceeds of crime would be prosecuted.
The disciplinary measures were taken in line with the policy of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at eliminating misconduct and criminality within the Force. Reaffirming the IGP's directive, the Command stressed that no officer found abusing the privileges of the uniform would be shielded from investigation or prosecution. “The era of impunity is over,” the police declared. “The Nigeria Police Force will no longer tolerate any abuse of office, corruption, extortion, or criminality within its ranks. Any officer who betrays the public trust will be identified, investigated, dismissed where appropriate, and prosecuted”. The Command commended victims who reported the incidents and urged others with useful information to come forward as investigations and prosecution continue.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments