Fake Police Extortion Ring Busted in Edo, Officers Dismissed and Set for Prosecution
The Edo State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled a criminal syndicate involved in abduction and extortion, with several suspects—including serving and dismissed police personnel—now in custody.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, disclosed that the breakthrough followed multiple complaints from residents who alleged harassment and extortion by individuals posing as police officers within Benin City.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate operated mainly around the Teboga axis off Aduwawa, where victims were unlawfully stopped, forced into vehicles, and driven around before being compelled to withdraw money from Point of Sale (POS) operators under duress.
Acting on intelligence, operatives of the Command carried out coordinated operations that led to the arrest of key members of the network, including a POS operator, serving police officers, dismissed personnel, and accomplices.
Preliminary findings indicate that the group used police uniforms and equipment to deceive victims, carrying out a series of abductions and extortion activities across the city.
The Command confirmed that serving officers implicated in the case are undergoing internal disciplinary procedures, after which they will be charged in court alongside other suspects.
Police authorities have called on victims to come forward with useful information to support ongoing investigations and prosecution.
The Command also warned POS operators to remain vigilant and avoid facilitating suspicious transactions, stressing that anyone found complicit in such crimes will face legal action.
Reaffirming its stance, the police, under the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, assured residents of continued efforts to restore public confidence and ensure accountability within the system.
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