The Edo State Police Command has arrested criminal syndicate, comprising five serving police officers, a dismissed officer and three others over alleged harassment, abduction, and extortion of residents in the State.

The officers were identified as ASP Bonny Paul Onajite, Inspector Ehubarieme Wisdom, Inspector Arebame Godspower, Corporal Mordi Philip Corporal Okon Elvis and Destiny Emmanuel, a dismissed Police Corporal

Daily Trust reports that the other suspects arrested alongside the officers included Goodluck Jaja, a POS Operator; Samuel Nicholas and Etim Bright, who are both mini bus drivers

The Spokesperson of the Command, ASP Eno Ikioedem, in a statement, said the syndicate posed as law enforcement agents to abduct and extort residents in Benin City.

She said officers still in service among those arrested were undergoing internal disciplinary procedures, including orderly room trials, and would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.

She explained that the group operated along the Teboga axis off Aduwawa, where victims were forced into vehicles and driven around the city before being compelled to withdraw money through Point of Sale (POS) operators under duress.

She said the arrest was as result of series of complaints from residents over harassment, abduction and extortion by individuals impersonating police personnel.

“Followed the development, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, ordered a discreet, intelligence-led operation that led to the bust of the network.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects, including some serving personnel, operated as a coordinated syndicate, exploiting police uniforms and accoutrements to deceive victims and carry out their activities”.

She described the development as a serious breach of public trust, noting that the actions of the suspects had brought the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute.

Ikioedem warned POS operators against facilitating illegal transactions, stressing that anyone found complicit would face arrest and prosecution.

The spokesperson, however, called on victims of the syndicate to come forward with information that could aid prosecution, as the Command remained committed to accountability and justice. (Daily Trust)