Five Officers Dismissed, One Demoted Over Alleged Kidnap, Forced POS Withdrawals In Edo

The Edo State Police Command has dismissed five serving police officers and demoted another after uncovering an alleged criminal syndicate involving police personnel and civilian collaborators accused of kidnapping, unlawful arrest, harassment and extorting residents in Benin City.

The disciplinary action followed an investigation into multiple complaints from members of the public who alleged that individuals posing as police officers were abducting unsuspecting residents, forcing them into commercial buses and extorting money from them through Point-of-Sale (POS) operators before releasing them.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, describing the action as part of the Nigeria Police Force’s renewed effort to stamp out corruption, abuse of office and criminality within its ranks.

According to the police spokesperson, the crackdown was launched after the command received several complaints of harassment, unlawful arrest, abduction and extortion perpetrated by suspected police officers operating around the Temboga axis, off Aduwawa, in Benin City.

She explained that investigations revealed that the suspects intercepted unsuspecting residents, forced them into commercial buses under the guise of legitimate police operations, drove them around different parts of the city and compelled them to withdraw money through POS operators before regaining their freedom.

According to Ikoedem, operatives attached to the State Intelligence Department (SID), acting on credible intelligence, tracked members of the syndicate and arrested them on April 13, 2026.

She disclosed that the syndicate comprised serving police officers, dismissed police personnel, commercial bus drivers and civilian collaborators who worked together to carry out the criminal operations.

The police spokesperson further revealed that more than 11 victims have already positively identified members of the syndicate, adding that investigations remain ongoing as additional victims continue to come forward with fresh evidence.

Following the conclusion of internal disciplinary proceedings, Inspector Ehubariemen Wisdom (AP/No. 324688), attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Benin, was found culpable and demoted from the rank of Inspector to Sergeant.

In addition, five other serving officers were dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force over their alleged involvement in the criminal activities.

The dismissed officers are: Corporal Mordi Philip; Corporal Destiny Emmanuel; Corporal Uwatse Emmanuel; Corporal Okon Elvis; and Corporal Samuel David Obeten.

Ikoedem said the disciplinary measures were consistent with the policy direction of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, stressing that “the era of impunity is over.”

She warned that the Force would not tolerate any form of misconduct by its personnel and urged POS operators as well as members of the public to desist from aiding criminal activities.

According to her, anyone found collaborating with criminals in extortion, money laundering or any other unlawful activity would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The police spokesperson commended victims who had the courage to report the incidents, saying their cooperation was instrumental in exposing the alleged syndicate.

She also appealed to other victims and witnesses with useful information to come forward and assist investigators in strengthening the ongoing prosecution of all those involved.

“Let this serve as a clear warning to every police officer across the country. 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,” Ikoedem said.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to professionalism, accountability and the rule of law, maintaining that officers who uphold the ethics and integrity of the profession would continue to be recognised and rewarded, while those found engaging in criminal conduct would have no place in the organisation.