By Simeon OSAJIE
The Edo State Police Command has dismissed five officers from service while one other was demoted for their alleged roles in a criminal syndicate in the statem
The group is accused of harassing, abducting, and extorting innocent citizens in Benin City, the state capital.
According to the command, the operation followed months of complaints and undercover investigations.
Police authorities say the dismissed personnel will also face prosecution in court. The command described the syndicate’s activities as “a betrayal of public trust” and vowed that no officer found culpable will be shielded.
Residents of Benin have long raised concerns about illegal checkpoints and harassment by rogue officers. The police say this action is part of efforts to restore confidence and rid the force of bad elements.
The Commissioner of Police urged members of the public to keep reporting cases of extortion and abuse, promising that complaints will be treated with urgency. A special complaints desk has also been set up for victims of police misconduct.
The command assured that investigations are still ongoing and more arrests could follow as they track other members linked to the syndicate.