The Edo State Police Command has dismissed five police officers and demoted another following their alleged involvement in kidnapping, abduction and extortion activities in Benin City.
The disciplinary action came after the conclusion of internal orderly room proceedings, which found the officers guilty of professional misconduct and breaches of the Nigeria Police Force’s code of conduct.
Police authorities said investigations linked the officers to a criminal syndicate accused of abducting unsuspecting residents and extorting money from them in parts of Benin City, particularly around the Teboga area off Aduwawa. The syndicate was also said to include a dismissed police officer, two commercial bus drivers and a Point of Sale (POS) operator.
According to the command, intelligence-led operations resulted in the arrest of the suspects and the dismantling of the group. Investigators alleged that the syndicate exploited police identity and official equipment to gain the confidence of victims before carrying out the crimes.
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The Police Public Relations Officer in Edo State, CSP Moses Yamu, said the five officers were dismissed after being found culpable during disciplinary proceedings, while another officer was reduced in rank.
He added that the dismissed officers and their civilian accomplices would be prosecuted in court in line with the law.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining discipline and professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force, stressing that officers found engaging in criminal activities would face appropriate sanctions.
It also urged members of the public who may have been affected by the activities of the syndicate or who possess useful information to cooperate with investigators as efforts continue to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
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