00:00Edo State Police Commissioner, Monday Agbonica has cautioned operators of Point of Sale, POS to be careful while allowing men of the Nigeria Police Force, NPF in unmarked vehicles to transact with them, with specific instructions that the POS operators in the state must henceforth demand and keep the official records of such policemen or policemen he or she decides to do business with, before initiating any financial transaction with the security operatives.
00:29The Commissioner of Police made this known on Thursday after he hosted a group of stakeholders in the entertainment industry in the state to a meeting held at the Commissioner's office on Tuesday, following the massive public outcry which include voices from some popular entertainment celebrities like Afua Gift Soha aka Edo Princess, Lawrence Osrenko aka MC Casino, Badamosi Agbonjour Jonathan aka Edo Pekin among others who trend on social media.
00:59The allegations of policemen constantly harassing and extorting money from young Nigerians in the ancient city, Benin City, the Edo State capital.
01:08The allegations apparently gave further sufficient strength to the virtual evidence of a white lady seen on social media on April 27, 2025 video recording group of policemen along the airport road in Benin City who allegedly turned official roadblock of stop and search to prevent crime into a criminal ambush of threatening to attack innocent citizens probably to rob them at gunpoint by thus forcing them to pay them certain amount of money through the aid of a POS operator.
01:37Also during the week, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State held a meeting with the state resident anti-corruption Commissioner of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC, IOJ Primo where both discussed ways to curb acts of extortions in the state.
01:56CSP Moses Yamu, the Edo State Police Command public relations officer in a statement made available on Thursday stated that the Edo State Command is aware of some social media reports alleging policemen involvement in certain acts of harassment and or extortion in the state.
02:14In a deliberate effort to checkmate and arrest the situation, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonica, FDC has mapped out some steps, part of which was an engagement with social media influences in the state held in his office on 13 May 2025 and directed the immediate reform of the Anti-Money Laundering Unit.
02:36CP Agbonica, CP Agbonica, further directed that henceforth, 1, all policemen in the state, tactical teams, area commands, and other special teams, must have their name tags sewn permanently on their uniforms.
02:502, all unmarked vehicles used by the aforementioned teams must carry stickers on the front and both sides of the vehicle while on any assignment.
03:013, all POS operators in the state are to be cautious when transacting with police officers in unmarked vehicles.
03:09They must ensure the particulars of such policemen are taken for record and reference purposes before transacting with them.
03:15These are in addition to the immediate retraining of personnel across the state including area commands and divisions.
03:23The Commissioner of Police warned that any policeman or team found violating these directives would be decisively dealt with as he directed the ex-squad to ensure compliance with these directives.
03:34The command is also using this medium to appeal to members of the public to report any act of extortion, harassment by policemen to the following phone numbers.
03:44Commissioner of Police, Commissioner of Police, 08132919576, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, 08036363531, Public Complaints Bureau, PCB, 081509999335, Complaints Response Unit, CRU, 081003899992.
04:12Edo State Commissioner of Police expresses renewed commitment to protect lives and properties devoid of harassment or extortion.
04:21Meanwhile, an open letter written by Imifida Namadiogi Steven, a Facebook user and a native of the state,
04:28highlighted the pains and sufferings people are being subjected to by policemen committing the act of criminal harassment and extortions in the state.
04:35The Facebook user said,
04:38I am writing to bring to your attention the alarming rate of police extortion and brutality in Edo State.
04:44These issues have severe consequences on the lives of citizens, undermine trust in law enforcement, and hinder socioeconomic development.
04:53Extortion
04:54Citizens are frequently subjected to unwarranted stops, searches, and demands for bribes.
05:00Brutality
05:01Brutality
05:02Brutality
05:02Physical and verbal abuse by police officers have become all too common.
05:07Fear and trauma
05:08The prevalence of these issues has instilled fear and trauma in the minds of citizens.
05:14Reform
05:14Implement reforms to address systemic issues within the police force.
05:20Accountability
05:20Ensure officers are held accountable for misconduct.
05:24Training
05:25Provide training on human rights, community policing, and professionalism.
05:30Community engagement
05:32Foster positive relationships between police and citizens.
05:36Establish oversight bodies.
05:38Create independent bodies to investigate complaints against police officers.
05:43Increase transparency.
05:45Make police operations more transparent, including body cameras and dash cams.
05:51Community outreach
05:52Engage with citizens, listen to concerns, and build trust.
05:57Officer welfare
05:58Improve officer welfare to reduce stress and burnout.
06:02Call to action
06:03We urge you to take immediate action to address these issues.
06:07The people of Edo State deserve a safe and just society, where law enforcement agencies serve and protect with integrity.
06:15Conclusion
06:16We believe that with your leadership, we can create a better future for Edo State.
06:20We look forward to seeing tangible reforms and actions that prioritize the safety and dignity of all citizens.
06:28Meeting with the resident anti-corruption commissioner of ICPC at police headquarters in Benin City, Edo State, the police command PRO reported that, in a bid to enhance inter-agency collaboration and promote integrity in the fight against corruption, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonica, FDC, played host to the resident anti-corruption commissioner of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC.
07:57CP Monday Agbonica, FDC accompanied by the deputy commissioner of police in charge of operations, DCP Benjamin Abang, the divisional police officer, DPO, Fbootabu Division, CSP IFA Uadia.
08:12E. And the officer in charge of Marine Police Benin, CSP Courage Agbonica, on a strategic visit to Gelagelay Riverine area in Ovia North East local government area of Edo State, bordering Delta, Coggi, and Ondo states.
08:28The visit was aimed at identifying flashpoints that criminals may take advantage of and to work out strategies to ensure a safer environment for residents and preventing any security challenge.
