The Edo State Police Command has dismantled an extortion syndicate accused of posing as law enforcement officers to harass, abduct and extort residents in the state capital, Benin City.
Disclosing this on Monday, the Police spokesperson in the state, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said operatives arrested 10 suspects including serving and dismissed police personnel as well as civilian accomplices.
According to him, the breakthrough followed multiple complaints from victims who were allegedly stopped along the Teboga axis off Aduwawa, forced into vehicles and taken to POS operators where money was extorted under duress, prompting Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika to order an intelligence-led operation that led to the arrests.
Preliminary findings indicate the group operated as a coordinated criminal network, using police uniforms and equipment to deceive victims and carry out their activities, thereby damaging the image of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Command said serving officers involved are undergoing internal disciplinary procedures and will be prosecuted alongside other suspects at the conclusion of investigations.
It urged victims to come forward with information, while warning POS operators against aiding illegal transactions, stressing that anyone found complicit will face arrest and prosecution.
