Edo State Police Commissioner, Monday Agbonika has cautioned operators of Point of Sale, P.O.S to be careful while allowing men of the Nigeria Police Force, NPF in unmarked vehicles to transact with them, with specific instructions that the P.O.S operators in the state must henceforth demand and keep the official records of such policeman or policemen he or she decides to do business with, before initiating any financial transaction with the security operatives, the 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 Aifuwa Gift Esohe aka Edo Princess, Lawrence Osarenkhoe aka MC Casino, Gbadamosi Agbonjor Jonathan aka Edo Pikin among others who trend on social media the allegations of policemen constantly harassing and extorting money from young Nigerians in the ancient city, Benin City, the Edo State capital, the 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 P.O.S operator.

Also 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, Ayaoge Premo where both discussed ways to curb acts of extortions in the state.

CSP 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.

In a deliberate effort to checkmate and arrest the situation, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc has mapped out some steps, part of which was an engagement with Social media influencers in the State held in his office on 13 May 2025 and directed the immediate reform of the Anti-Money Laundering unit.

CP Agbonika, further directed that henceforth:

1, All Policemen in the State (Tactical Teams, Area Commands, and other Special Teams) must have their name tags sown permanently on their uniforms.

2, All unmarked vehicles used by the aforementioned Teams must carry stickers on the front and both sides of the vehicle while on any assignment.

3, All P.O.S operators in the State are to be cautious when transacting with police officers in unmarked vehicles. They must ensure the particulars of such Policemen are taken for record and reference purposes before transacting with them.

These are in addition to the immediate retraining of personnel across the State including Area Commands and Divisions.

The Commissioner of Police warned that any policeman or team found violating these directives would be decisively dealt with as he directed the X-Squad to ensure compliance with these directives.

The 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: Commissioner of Police: 08132919576, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO): 08036363531, Public Complaints Bureau (PCB): 08150999335, Complaints Response Unit (CRU): 08100389992.

Edo State Commissioner of Police expresses renewed commitment to protect lives and properties devoid of harassment or extortion”.

Meanwhile, an open letter written by Imafidon Imadeyogie Stephen, a Facebook user and a native of the state, highlighted the pains and sufferings people are being subjected to by policemen committing the act of criminal harassment and extortions in the state.

The Facebook user said; “I am writing to bring to your attention the alarming rate of police extortion and brutality in Edo State. These issues have severe consequences on the lives of citizens, undermine trust in law enforcement, and hinder socio-economic development.

Extortion: Citizens are frequently subjected to unwarranted stops, searches, and demands for bribes.

Brutality: Physical and verbal abuse by police officers have become all too common.

Fear and Trauma: The prevalence of these issues has instilled fear and trauma in the minds of citizens.

Reform: Implement reforms to address systemic issues within the police force.

Accountability: Ensure officers are held accountable for misconduct.

Training: Provide training on human rights, community policing, and professionalism.

Community Engagement: Foster positive relationships between police and citizens.

Establish Oversight Bodies: Create independent bodies to investigate complaints against police officers.

Increase Transparency: Make police operations more transparent, including body cameras and dash cams.

Community Outreach: Engage with citizens, listen to concerns, and build trust.

Officer Welfare: Improve officer welfare to reduce stress and burnout.

Call to Action: We urge you to take immediate action to address these issues. The people of Edo State deserve a safe and just society, where law enforcement agencies serve and protect with integrity.

Conclusion: We believe that with your leadership, we can create a better future for Edo State. We look forward to seeing tangible reforms and actions that prioritize the safety and dignity of all citizens”.

Meeting with the Resident Anti Corruption Commissioner of ICPC at Police Headquarters in Benin City, Edo State, the Police Command P.R.O 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 Agbonika, FDC, played host to the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mrs Ayaoge Premo, at the Command Headquarters in Benin City on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

During the visit, Mrs Premo solicited collaboration and cooperation from the Edo State Police Command, emphasizing the importance of synergy between agencies in tackling corruption and other related offences.

CP Agbonika, in his response, assured the ICPC Resident Commissioner of the necessary support and cooperation from the Police Command.

The Commissioner of Police reiterated his commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in the discharge of duties by police officers in the state.

He also expressed his willingness to work closely with the ICPC and other anti-corruption agencies to ensure a corruption-free policing environment in Edo State”.

In another news, the Police spokesperson issued a photo’s press release and said; “the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of Police Incharge of Operations, DCP Benjamin Abang, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Evbuotubu Division, CSP Ifa-Uwadiae E, and the Officer in charge of Marine Police Benin, CSP Courage Ogbonmwan, on a strategic visit to Gelegele Riverine Area in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, bordering Delta, Kogi, and Ondo States.

The visit was aimed at identifying flash points that criminals may take advantage of, and to work out strategies to ensure a safer environment for residents and preventing any security challenge”.