Edo Police Launch Probe After Alleged N1m Extortion Claim by Young Men

BENIN CITY — The Edo State Police Command has opened an investigation into an allegation that officers attached to the Okpella Police Division allegedly demanded and collected N1 million from some young men following their arrest.

The investigation was ordered after a video circulated on social media in which the alleged victims accused the officers of arresting them and falsely labelling them as cultists.

According to the claims made in the video, the men were allegedly asked to pay N1 million before they could regain their freedom.

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Patrick Daaor, has directed a full investigation to establish what happened and determine whether any police personnel were involved in the alleged extortion.

Officers summoned over allegation

The police officers allegedly connected to the incident have been identified and ordered to report to the Edo State Police Command Headquarters as part of the investigation.

The Command said the move is intended to establish the facts surrounding the allegations and determine whether the officers acted within the law.

The alleged victims have also been invited to appear before the investigating team and give their accounts of what happened.

The police said their testimony will form part of the evidence being examined during the investigation.

Police promise action if officers are found culpable

CP Daaor said the Command would not ignore allegations involving misconduct, extortion or abuse of police powers.

He assured members of the public that any officer found responsible after the investigation would face appropriate disciplinary action in line with the law.

The Commissioner also stressed that complaints against police personnel would be investigated rather than ignored.

Edo Police urges residents to report misconduct

The Command encouraged residents who experience alleged harassment, extortion, unprofessional conduct or other forms of misconduct by police officers to report through the appropriate complaint channels.

It said members of the public should make use of the Complaint Response Unit to enable the Command investigate complaints and take necessary action.

The investigation comes as the police administration seeks to address public concerns over the conduct of some personnel and reinforce accountability within the Command.

For now, the N1 million extortion allegation remains under investigation, and the police have not established that the accused officers committed the alleged offence.