Edo State Police Dismantle Criminal Syndicate Involving Five Serving Officers and POS Operator

Five serving police officers and a POS operator were arrested in Edo State for allegedly abducting citizens and forcing fraudulent financial transfers.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 13, 2026, 11:07 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Daily Post Nigeria

Law Enforcement Syndicate Busted in Benin City

The Edo State Police Command has announced the arrest of a well organized criminal network composed of serving police personnel and civilian accomplices. Among those apprehended is Assistant Superintendent of Police Bonny Paul Onajite, who allegedly led a group that specialized in the harassment and abduction of residents. The suspects operated primarily along the Teboga axis, where they targeted unsuspecting individuals for financial exploitation. This breakthrough follows a series of public complaints regarding officers using their official status to perpetrate crimes against the very citizens they were sworn to protect.

Tactical Coordination Between Rogue Officers and Civilians

The investigation revealed a sophisticated operational structure involving Inspector Ehubarieme Wisdom, Inspector Arebame God’s Power, and Corporals Mordi Philip and Okon Elvis. These serving members were reportedly aided by Destiny Emmanuel, a dismissed corporal, as well as two minibus drivers and a Point of Sale operator identified as Goodluck Jaja. The group utilized police accoutrements and uniforms to deceive victims before forcefully transporting them across Benin City. These abductions typically culminated at POS terminals, where victims were coerced under duress to withdraw or transfer funds to the syndicate.

Command Responds to Gravity of Extortion Allegations

Public Relations Officer ASP Eno Ikoedem stated that the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, initiated a discreet intelligence driven operation after receiving numerous reports of systemic misconduct. Through sustained surveillance and technical intelligence, operatives were able to identify and neutralize the syndicate. The Command described the actions of the arrested personnel as a severe betrayal of public trust that has brought the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute. The arrests are being framed as a significant victory in the ongoing effort to purge criminal elements from within the ranks of the regional constabulary.