Edo Police Recover ₦300,000 Extorted From Furniture Maker, Detain Officers

The Edo State Police Command says it has retrieved ₦300,000 allegedly extorted from a furniture maker by officers attached to the Oba Market Area Command in Benin City.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Command’s spokesperson, Moses Yamu, confirmed that the money had been returned to the victim, while the officers implicated were immediately detained.

“The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the public that it has taken decisive action following a video circulated on social media by an influencer in Edo State alleging the extortion of the sum ₦300,000 from a furniture maker by some officers attached to Oba Market Area Command, Benin City.

“The officers involved have been promptly identified, the money has been fully recovered and returned to the victim, while the said officers have been detained and are to face disciplinary procedures in accordance with the extant regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.

“In addition, stern administrative measures have been taken against the Oba Market Area Command to ensure professionalism, discipline, and respect for the rights of citizens in the discharge of their duties,” the statement read.

Yamu further explained that the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has urged residents to report misconduct by officers to the Public Complaints Bureau or Complaints Response Unit via 08150999335 and 08100389992.

He added, “The Command assures the good people of Edo State that it remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability in service delivery.”

The statement also acknowledged the support of AIG Zone 5 Headquarters, Salman Dogo, in strengthening accountability within the zone.

This incident comes months after six officers and their supervisory Chief Superintendent were placed under disciplinary proceedings in May for a viral extortion case along the Benin Bypass. At the time, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun condemned their actions as “shameful, distasteful, and utterly unacceptable,” directing immediate internal sanctions under the Force’s zero-tolerance stance on extortion and misconduct.