The Edo State Police Command has arrested an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Bonny Paul Onajite, and four other officers over alleged involvement in harassment, abduction, and extortion of residents in the state.
Others arrested include Inspector Ehubarieme Wisdom, Inspector Arebame God’s Power, Corporal Mordi Philip, and Corporal Okon Elvis. Several civilians, including a dismissed police corporal, a Point of Sale (POS) operator, minibus drivers, and others, were also taken into custody.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Monday, April 11, 2026, in Benin City.
She said the arrests marked a breakthrough in efforts to dismantle criminal groups disguising themselves as law enforcement officers to extort members of the public.
According to her, the suspects operated along the Teboga axis off Aduwawa, where they allegedly stopped unsuspecting victims, forcibly transported them around Benin City, and later took them to POS operators to withdraw money under duress.
Ikoedem said the police had received multiple complaints in recent times about individuals impersonating officers to harass and extort residents.
She explained that the Commissioner of Police ordered a discreet investigation, which led to the arrest of the suspects through surveillance and intelligence-led operations.
Preliminary findings, she said, revealed that the suspects formed an organised syndicate involving both serving and dismissed officers, who used police accoutrements to deceive victims and carry out criminal activities.
The spokesperson added that serving officers among the suspects are currently undergoing internal disciplinary procedures, including orderly room trials.
She said the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The Command also urged victims of the alleged syndicate to come forward with information to assist ongoing investigations, while warning POS operators against participating in illegal transactions.
It further cautioned that any POS operator found complicit in such activities would be arrested and prosecuted.
