Six serving police officers, including an Assistant Superintendent of Police and two Inspectors, have been arrested by operatives of the Edo State Police Command over alleged harassment, abduction and extortion.
The command said serving and dismissed personnel were part of a well-organised criminal syndicate responsible for a series of serious offences, including abduction and extortion of unsuspecting citizens.
Also arrested was a dismissed Police Corporal, two commercial bus drivers and a POS operator.
In a statement issued yesterday, the command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem said the operation was prompted by several complaints from members of the public.
According to Ikoedem, the suspects were apprehended, following sustained surveillance, technical intelligence and coordinated operations by the command.
She identified the suspects as ASP Bonny Paul Onajite, Inspector Ehubarieme Wisdom, Inspector Arebame Godspower and Corporal Mordi Philip.
Others are Destiny Emmanuel, a dismissed police corporal, Corporal Okon Elvis, Samuel Nicholas, a minibus driver, Etim Bright and Goodluck Jaja, a POS operator.
Ikoedem stated that the serving and dismissed personnel formed a well-organised criminal syndicate responsible for a series of serious offences, including abduction and extortion of unsuspecting citizens.
“They exploited police accoutrements to deceive victims and carried out their operations with impunity, thereby bringing the name of the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute.
“Those that are serving personnel are currently undergoing internal disciplinary procedures, including orderly room trials. Upon conclusion of these processes and the ongoing investigation, they will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction to face the full weight of the law,” she stated.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has warned POS operators and merchants to be cautious of individuals, including those in police uniform, who attempt to use their facilities for unlawful transactions or extortion.
He added that operators found complicit in such activities would be arrested and prosecuted.
The commissioner also urged victims of the alleged syndicate to come forward with information to support ongoing investigations and prosecution.
