A Point of Sale (POS) operator, Goodluck Jaja, has been arrested by the Edo state Police command for allegedly aiding a syndicate of police officers involved in the abduction and extortion of residents in Benin City.
The command said the suspect provided his POS facility for the fraudulent withdrawal of money from victims who were allegedly forced under duress by the gang.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Eno Ikoedem, who stated this in a statement Tuesday said the arrest followed a series of complaints from members of the public over harassment and illegal extortion by individuals posing as police officers along the Teboga axis off Aduwawa in Benin City.
Eno said the syndicate intercepted unsuspecting victims, forcefully conveyed them around the city, and compelled them to withdraw money through POS operators.
The PPRO added: “Investigations led to the arrest of other members of the network, including serving and dismissed police personnel, as well as two drivers believed to have facilitated the operations.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, had ordered a discreet, intelligence-led operation which led to the breakthrough and subsequent arrests.”
Eno further stated that implicated officers are currently undergoing internal disciplinary procedures and will be prosecuted upon conclusion of investigations.
She called on victims to come forward with useful information to aid prosecution, while warning POS operators against facilitating illegal transactions, adding that offenders will be dealt with in accordance with the law.