The Edo State Police Command has arrested a serving inspector and three civilians accused of terrorising residents of Benin through brutality, extortion, and armed robbery.
Command spokesperson CSP Moses Yamu said in a statement on Sunday that the arrests followed a viral video in which a victim accused policemen of abducting him, seizing his phone and belongings, and subjecting him to harassment.
Acting on the report, Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika ordered an investigation. On 15 August, operatives of the Ugbowo Surveillance Team intercepted the suspects with a silver Toyota Yaris and other incriminating items.
Describing the incident as “shameful and criminal,” Agbonika vowed that the suspects would face the full weight of the law.
“The command has zero tolerance for corruption, abuse of office, or misconduct within the Force. Any officer caught engaging in extortion, brutality, or corruption will be dismissed, arrested, and prosecuted,” he said.
The police called on members of the public, including the victim in the viral video, to provide credible information to aid investigations.
Yamu reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, restoring public trust, and upholding the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.
