The Police has dismantled an extortion syndicate allegedly involving serving and dismissed police officers alongside civilian collaborators operating in and surrounding areas.
The development was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, who said the operation followed multiple complaints from residents accusing suspected criminals of harassment, abduction, and extortion while posing as law enforcement officers.
According to Ikoedem, the suspects carried out their activities primarily around the Teboga axis off Aduwawa, where they intercepted unsuspecting victims and forcibly transported them to different locations.
Victims were then compelled to withdraw money through Point of Sale (POS) operators.
“The Command had in recent times received several complaints from members of the public alleging harassment, abduction and extortion by individuals posing as police officers,” Ikoedem stated.
She explained that acting on the reports, the Commissioner of Police, , ordered a discreet, intelligence-led investigation which resulted in the arrest of 10 suspects.
Those arrested included a POS operator, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, two inspectors, two corporals, a dismissed corporal, and two commercial drivers, according to police authorities.
Preliminary findings revealed that the suspects operated as a coordinated criminal network, using police uniforms and official accessories to deceive victims and carry out abductions and extortion.
“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,” Ikoedem said.
The command added that serving officers implicated in the case are currently undergoing internal disciplinary procedures, including orderly room trials, and will face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.
Ikoedem also called on members of the public who may have been affected by the syndicate to come forward with useful information to support ongoing investigations.
She further warned POS operators and other merchants against aiding illegal financial transactions, stressing that anyone found complicit would be arrested and prosecuted.
“The Edo State Police Command reassures the public of its commitment to sanitising the system and ensuring that no individual, regardless of status, is above the law,” Ikoedem added.
