Edo Police dismiss five officers over kidnap, extortion ring; Inspector demoted

The Edo State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled a criminal syndicate involving serving and dismissed police personnel accused of abducting, unlawfully detaining and extorting residents under the guise of legitimate law enforcement operations in Benin City.

Addressing journalists on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Moses Yamu, speaking on behalf of the Command, said the operation followed an extensive intelligence-driven investigation initiated after numerous complaints from members of the public.

The police said the investigation underscores the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu’s commitment to institutional reforms and accountability, stressing that no officer found culpable of criminal conduct would be shielded from justice.

According to the Command, the investigation began after victims alleged that individuals posing as police officers were carrying out illegal arrests, abductions and extortion across parts of Edo State.

Investigators traced the activities of the syndicate to the Teboga axis, off Aduwawa in Benin City, where unsuspecting members of the public were reportedly intercepted, forced into commercial buses and driven around the city before being compelled to withdraw cash through Point-of-Sale (PoS) operators to secure their release.

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The Command disclosed that operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID), acting on credible intelligence, arrested members of the syndicate on April 13, 2026, effectively bringing the criminal enterprise to an end.

Organised Criminal Network

Police investigations revealed that the syndicate comprised serving police officers, dismissed officers, commercial bus drivers and civilian collaborators who allegedly worked together to identify, abduct and extort innocent citizens.

The Command said more than 11 victims have so far identified members of the syndicate, providing detailed statements on how they were unlawfully arrested, intimidated, abducted and forced to surrender money under duress.

Authorities added that investigations remain ongoing, with more victims continuing to come forward with fresh evidence.

Five Officers Dismissed

Following disciplinary proceedings, the Nigeria Police Force dismissed five police corporals over their alleged involvement in the criminal activities. They are:

Corporal Mordi Philip, formerly attached to Okhuaihe Division.

Corporal Destiny Emmanuel, formerly attached to the Department of Operations.

Corporal Uwatse Emmanuel, formerly attached to Police Mobile Force Squadron 60.

Corporal Okon Elvis, formerly attached to Police Mobile Force Squadron 60.

Corporal Samuel David Obeten, formerly attached to Police Mobile Force Squadron 82.

The dismissed officers are expected to face prosecution before a court of competent jurisdiction.

Inspector Demoted

The Command also announced the demotion of Inspector Ehubariemen Wisdom, formerly attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Benin, after he was found culpable of misconduct.

He was reduced in rank from Inspector to Sergeant following internal disciplinary proceedings.

Officer Declared Wanted

Police further disclosed that Inspector Enahoro Nicholas, attached to Police Mobile Force Squadron 60, is currently on the run.

He has been declared a deserter, while efforts are underway to apprehend him so he can face prosecution alongside other suspects.

Police Warn Officers, PoS Operators

The Edo State Police Command warned officers nationwide that abuse of office, corruption, extortion and other criminal conduct would no longer be tolerated within the Force.

It stressed that any officer found betraying public trust would be investigated, dismissed where necessary and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The police also cautioned Point-of-Sale operators against aiding criminal activities by facilitating extortion payments or laundering proceeds of crime, warning that anyone found collaborating with criminals would face legal consequences.

The Command commended the victims who reported the incidents, saying their courage and cooperation enabled investigators to dismantle the syndicate.

It appealed to other victims and witnesses with relevant information to come forward to assist ongoing investigations and strengthen the prosecution of those involved.

Reaffirming the Inspector-General’s commitment to reforming the Nigeria Police Force, the Command declared that the era of impunity within the Force had ended.

“The era of impunity is over. No one is above the law, and no one will be permitted to hide behind the uniform to oppress the citizens we are sworn to protect,” the police said.