The Edo State Police Command has smashed a criminal network operating within Benin City, involving a serving police officer and three civilian accomplices, who were allegedly engaged in acts of extortion, intimidation, and robbery against unsuspecting residents.
According to a statement issued on Sunday, August 17, 2025, by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Moses Yamu, the breakthrough followed the circulation of a viral video in which a victim accused policemen of abducting him, subjecting him to torture, and dispossessing him of his valuables.
In the viral video, the victim, who was visibly distressed and seen beside his wife, who wept uncontrollably, narrated how he was accosted by five armed men who introduced themselves as police officers.
He alleged that the officers brutalised him, forcefully seized his phone, and later extorted money from him.
Recounting his ordeal, the victim explained that he had boarded a commercial bus after work around 8:00 p.m. on the ill-fated day, only to be stopped by the suspects along Sapele Road, near Adesuwa Junction in Benin City.
The suspects allegedly forced him into their patrol vehicle after noticing his wife’s picture on his phone profile.
“They asked me who the woman in my profile picture was,” the victim explained.
“I told them she was my wife. They asked if she was American, and I confirmed. Immediately, they handcuffed me. My hand is still numb till now,” he lamented.
Acting on the complaint and similar reports, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, ordered an immediate investigation and arrest of the culprits.
The PPRO revealed that on August 15, 2025, operatives of the Ugbowo Surveillance Team intercepted the suspects while they were operating a silver Toyota Yaris and recovered incriminating items from them.
The serving police officer, later identified as Inspector Ojo Oloruntobi, was arrested alongside three civilians—Charles Onah, Joseph Ohis, and Enoma Agho—who were reportedly working with him to terrorise members of the public.
Condemning the act, the Command described the arrested officer’s behaviour as “disgraceful and criminal,” assuring that both he and his accomplices would face the full wrath of the law.
CP Agbonika stressed that there would be no room for rogue officers within the Nigeria Police Force, reiterating his administration’s zero tolerance for corruption, abuse of office, and misconduct.
The police authority issued a strong warning to all serving officers across the state, cautioning that any policeman found guilty of extortion, brutality, or unprofessional behaviour would be dismissed from service and prosecuted in line with Nigerian law.
Meanwhile, the Command has appealed to members of the public, especially the victim featured in the viral video, to come forward and assist investigators with credible evidence to strengthen the case.
“The Edo State Police Command remains resolute in its duty to safeguard lives and property, restore public trust, and uphold the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement concluded.