Monday, August 18, 2025 - The Edo State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled a criminal syndicate involving a serving police officer and civilians engaged in acts of extortion, brutality, and robbery against innocent citizens in Benin City.
The spokesperson of the command, CSP Moses Yamu, who
disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, August 17, 2025 said the arrest
follows a viral video in which a victim alleged that he was abducted by
policemen, his phone and belongings forcefully taken, and subjected to
intimidation.
In the video, the victim, who appeared visibly shaken with
his wife beside him in tears, alleged that he was kidnapped, brutalised, and
extorted by five armed officers.
According to him, he boarded a commercial vehicle after work
at about 8 pm on that fateful day when he was stopped by the officers around
Sapele Road, close to Adesuwa Junction, Benin City.
The suspects forced him into their patrol vehicle after they
spotted his wife’s picture on his phone profile and confirmed she was American.
"They
asked me who was in my profile picture. I told them it was my wife. They asked
if she was American, and I said yes. Immediately, they handcuffed me. My hand
is still numb till now,” he said.
The PPRO said the serving police Inspector identified as Ojo
Oloruntobi was arrested alongside three civilian accomplices.
"Acting
on this complaint and other related reports, the Commissioner of Police, Edo
State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, directed that the perpetrators be
identified and arrested without delay,” the statement read.
"On
15th August 2025, operatives of the Ugbowo Surveillance Team successfully
intercepted the suspects with a silver Colored Toyota Yaris and other
incriminating items.
"A
serving Police Inspector later identified as Ojo Oloruntobi was arrested
alongside three civilian accomplices namely Charles Onah, Joseph Ohis and Enoma
Agho, who had been collaborating with him to terrorise residents of the city
through acts of extortion and harassment.
"The
Edo State Police Command strongly condemns this shameful and criminal conduct.
The arrested officer and his collaborators will face the full wrath of the law.
CP Monday Agbonika has made it clear that there will be no hiding place for
rogue elements within the Force, reiterating the Command’s zero tolerance for
corruption, abuse of office, and unprofessional conduct.
"The
Command further issues a stern warning to all officers: any policeman found
engaging in misconduct, extortion, brutality, or any form of corrupt practice
will be swiftly dismissed, arrested, and prosecuted in line with the laws of
the land.
"The
Command calls on members of the public—particularly the victim in the viral
video—to come forward and assist investigators with credible information to
ensure justice is served.
“The Edo
State Police Command remains unwavering in its duty to protect lives and
property, restore public trust, and uphold the integrity of the Nigeria Police
Force."
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