A disturbing trend of police extortion and brutality has emerged in Edo State, Nigeria, leaving residents outraged and demanding justice.
In a recent incident, police officers accused a young furniture maker of being a “Yahoo boy” and demanded ₦1 million, eventually extorting ₦300,000 from him. This incident highlights the growing concerns about police misconduct in the state.
Recent Cases of Police Extortion
Six Police Officers Facing Dismissal: Six police officers were recommended for dismissal in August 2025 for extorting ₦2 million from members of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity).
The officers allegedly used intimidation and unlawfully withdrew the money from a member’s account using a Point of Sale (POS) machine.
Inspector and Civilians Arrested: Inspector Ojo Oloruntobi and three civilians were arrested for alleged involvement in armed robbery and extortion.
They were caught with a silver Toyota Yaris and incriminating items, following a viral video of a victim alleging abduction and harassment by police officers.
Efforts to Combat Police Extortion
Zero-Tolerance In The Breac: The Edo State Police command mere verbal commitment to professionalism, integrity, and accountability, assuring the public that misconduct will not be tolerated turned out to be vage promise.
Orderly Room Trials: The police force which claimed to have commenced orderly room trials for officers involved in extortion cases with the report that some are facing dismissal and prosecution has been found to be false.
These untreated cases demonstrate the need for continued vigilance and accountability within the police force to restore public trust and ensure justice is served.
The Edo State Police Command must take concrete actions to address these issues and ensure that officers who engage in misconduct are held accountable.
