Edo Police Command has arrested a serving officer and three civilians for extortion, assault and robbery in Benin City.
Authorities vowed strict prosecution, stressing zero tolerance for misconduct within the Force.
The Edo State Police Command has dismantled a criminal gang involving a serving police officer and three civilians accused of extorting, assaulting, and robbing residents in Benin City.
Police spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Sunday, August 17, 2025. He said the operation followed a viral video in which a victim alleged that he was abducted by armed policemen, beaten, and forced to surrender his phone and other valuables.
In the video, the man, seen beside his crying wife, recounted how he was stopped around Sapele Road near Adesuwa Junction after boarding a commercial vehicle at about 8 p.m. He claimed that once the officers discovered that his wife, whose photo was on his phone profile, was American, they handcuffed him and subjected him to brutal treatment.
“Immediately, they handcuffed me. My hand is still numb till now,” he said.
Following the report, Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, ordered the immediate arrest of those involved. On August 15, operatives of the Ugbowo Surveillance Team intercepted the suspects with a silver Toyota Yaris and other incriminating items.
Those arrested include Inspector Ojo Oloruntobi, along with three civilian collaborators identified as Charles Onah, Joseph Ohis, and Enoma Agho. The group had allegedly been working together to harass and extort unsuspecting citizens in the state capital.
Condemning the incident, the Command vowed that the officer and his accomplices would face prosecution. “There will be no hiding place for rogue elements within the Force,” the statement stressed, adding that the police leadership maintains zero tolerance for corruption, abuse of office, and misconduct.
The Command also warned other officers that anyone caught engaging in extortion, brutality, or corrupt practices would be dismissed, arrested, and prosecuted.
Members of the public, especially the victim in the viral video, were urged to assist investigators with credible information to ensure justice is served.
“The Edo State Police Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property, restoring public confidence, and upholding the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement concluded.
