The Edo State Police Command has dismissed five of its personnel and demoted another over alleged harassment, unlawful arrest, abduction, and extortion of members of the public in the state.

The Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said the policemen were found guilty after a thorough investigation and disciplinary proceedings during their orderly room trial.

She said the dismissed personnel were operating as an organised criminal network comprising serving police personnel, dismissed police personnel, commercial bus drivers, and civilian collaborators who systematically targeted innocent members of the public for abduction and extortion.

She said the dismissed policemen had been operating around the Teboga axis, off Aduwawa, Benin City, where unsuspecting citizens were intercepted, forced into commercial buses under the guise of police operations, driven around various parts of the city, and subsequently compelled to withdraw money through Point-of-Sale operators before regaining their freedom.

According to her, Corporal Mordi Philip, Corporal Destiny Emmanuel, Corporal Uwatse Emmanuel, Corporal Okon Elvis, and Corporal Samuel David Obeten were dismissed from the police force.

She added that the dismissed policemen would be charged in court for their alleged involvement in the criminal activities.

She also disclosed that Inspector Ehubariemen Wisdom, attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), had been demoted from the rank of inspector to sergeant.

“One Inspector Enahoro Nicholas, attached to Police Mobile Force Squadron 60, is currently at large and has been declared a deserter,” she said.

The spokesperson said efforts were ongoing to apprehend him and bring him to justice. (Daily Trust)