Six officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force found guilty after an orderly room trial for alleged extortion have been recommended for dismissal.
The officers and men – two Assistant Superintendents of Police, (ASP) three Inspectors, and one Constable, were identified and arrested following a petition to the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and the Edo State Police Commissioner, Monday Agbokina, by the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) complaining of alleged extortion of the sum of N2million from some of its members on Sunday August 3, 2025.
In the petition titled ‘NAS condemns police extortion, commends IGP Egbetokun, Edo CP for swift justice’ dated August 5, and signed by Dr Joseph Oteri, NAS Cap’n, the Association explained that the alleged extortion took place in the outskirts of Benin, Edo State, when its members were returning from their 49th Annual General Meeting/National Converge which ended in Owerri, Imo State, same August 3.
Oteri commended IGP Egbetokun and Agbokina, Edo Police Commissioner, for their prompt and decisive action on receiving their petition which led to the recovery of the extorted amount and other seized items.
Strongly condemning what it described as “the reprehensible act” of extortion by the six operatives, NAS said the swift response by the police high command sent a strong message that misconduct within the Police would not be tolerated, while also reinforcing the importance of citizens choosing lawful channels in seeking redress, even in the face of provocation.
Narrating what transpired, Oteri said, “Our members were accosted at a police checkpoint in the outskirts of Benin City, Edo State, under the guise of a routine stop-and-search operation by three Inspectors, one Constable, one Assistant superintendent of Police (unconfirmed ASP- one star) and another confirmed ASP (two stars).
“However, rather than conduct a professional and lawful engagement, the officers resorted to intimidation and extortion. A total of ₦2 million, along with personal belongings and the official regalia of the Association, were unlawfully taken from one of the members.
“The extortionist police officers used a Point of Sale (POS) machine to withdraw the money. The account to which the money was paid was: 5398377599, Moniepoint Microfinance Bank belonging to Babangida Sani at about 17:20 hours on August 3, 2025.
“We condemn this gross abuse of power and betrayal of public trust in the strongest possible terms. No Nigerian, regardless of affiliation, deserves to be subjected to such criminal conduct by those entrusted with their protection.
“However, we also recognise and commend the prompt and decisive action taken by the Inspector-General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, and the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbokina.
“Upon receiving a formal complaint from the affected members, who, despite provocation, upheld our core values of discipline and due process, the authorities moved swiftly.
“Thanks to their leadership, the ₦2 million was fully recovered and returned, and all seized items, including our regalia, were restored.
“More importantly, the six erring officers have been identified, subjected to an orderly room trial, and recommended for dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force”.
Oteri further explained that before the AGM/National Convention, “the Association wrote to the IGP on July 21, 2025, about our movement to Owerri from July 31 to August 3, 2025, and requested police support and presence at the event. We also described all the items members are likely to be found with, including our official dress code”.
While therefore appealing for continued vigilance by the Police High Command in addressing cases of abuse, NAS reiterated its commitment to the rule of law and a society anchored on justice, accountability, and respect for human dignity.