Police arrest officer, others over extortion, brutality

The Edo State Police Command has arrested an officer and three others over alleged brutality, extortion, and armed robbery. The officer, identified as Ojo Oloruntobi, was arrested in Benin City alongside three civilian accomplices, Charles Onah, Joseph Ohis, and Enoma Agho. Our correspondent learnt that the arrests followed a viral video in which a victim […]

The Edo State Police Command has arrested an officer and three others over alleged brutality, extortion, and armed robbery.

The officer, identified as Ojo Oloruntobi, was arrested in Benin City alongside three civilian accomplices, Charles Onah, Joseph Ohis, and Enoma Agho.

Our correspondent learnt that the arrests followed a viral video in which a victim alleged that he was abducted by policemen, had his phone and belongings forcefully taken, and was subjected to intimidation.

It was gathered that the suspects are part of a criminal syndicate involved in extortion, brutality, and robbery against innocent citizens in Benin City.

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The command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, said that following a directive from the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, the Ugbowo Surveillance Team intercepted the suspects in a silver-colored Toyota Yaris with other incriminating items.

“A serving police inspector was arrested alongside his civilian accomplices, who had been collaborating with him to terrorize residents of the city through acts of extortion and harassment,” Yamu stated.

Describing the officer’s criminal conduct as shameful, Yamu said that the arrested officer and his collaborators would “face the full wrath of the law.”

He added that the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has made it clear that there will be no hiding place for rogue elements within the force, reiterating the command’s zero tolerance for corruption, abuse of office, and unprofessional conduct.

Yamu warned that any policeman found engaging in misconduct, extortion, brutality, or any form of corrupt practice would be “swiftly dismissed, arrested, and prosecuted in line with the laws of the land.”

He also called on the public, especially the victim in the viral video, to come forward and assist investigators with credible information to ensure justice is served.