Inside Edo
Alleged police extortion, retaliatory detention spark outrage in Edo
Written By: Ehioze Gilbert
02 Jan 2026 08:08 AM
Benin, Edo – A routine visit to the Evbuotubu Police Division in Edo state has spiraled into serious allegations of extortion, intimidation, and unlawful detention, drawing sharp criticism from human rights advocates.
According to family members and activists, the incident began on December 29, 2025, when a man approached the division to report a criminal matter.
He was reportedly demanded ₦60,000 for "mobilization" to effect an arrest. After negotiations, he paid ₦10,000 for the operation and ₦8,000 to have his statement recorded, totaling ₦18,000.
The payments were allegedly received by the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), identified as Augustina Osariemen. The man also hired a commercial tricycle (Keke) at his own expense to transport officers.
Frustrated, the man's wife contacted Comrade Justice Oni-Edigin of the Bail is Free Campaign Organization, which advocates against unauthorized bail fees and police misconduct.
Oni-Edigin reportedly called the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to highlight the issue.
In response, the DPO summoned the wife to the station, where she claims he justified the payments as necessary for "fuel" and pressured her to retract the complaint. Sources allege he threatened to detain her husband if she refused, forcing her to call Oni-Edigin and falsely claim the extortion report was untrue.
Despite this, bail was denied, and instructions were given to charge the original matter to court.
The man remains in custody as of January 2, 2026, his fifth day detained, prompting accusations of retaliation for involving human rights monitors.
The Human Rights Freedom Global Network (HRFGN), led by Comrade Alexander Ojumah Egwali, has strongly condemned the actions.
In a statement, HRFGN accused officers at Evbuotubu Division of extorting ₦18,000 and demanding an additional ₦30,000 after the complaint was raised. They described the denial of bail from December 31, 2025, to January 2, 2026, as a violation of constitutional rights.
HRFGN called the conduct "a blatant abuse of office" and "an attempt to silence citizens," stressing that bail is a right, extortion is criminal, and reporting misconduct should not lead to punishment.
The group demanded the man's immediate release, an independent investigation, disciplinary action against culpable officers, and protections against further retaliation.
Neither the Evbuotubu Division nor the Edo State Police Command has issued an official response to these specific allegations as of the time of filing this report.
This case adds to ongoing concerns about police practices in Edo State, where extortion complaints have surfaced in recent months.
While the command has taken action in some instances such as recovering extorted funds and disciplining officers in unrelated cases, activists argue systemic issues persist, including unauthorized fees contrary to the Nigeria Police Act 2020.
Supporters are urging higher authorities, including the Inspector-General of Police, to intervene.
AHMWES Bail is Free Campaign Organization and HRFGN vow to pursue justice through legal channels, highlighting the difficulties citizens face in seeking police assistance without fear of reprisal.
According to family members and activists, the incident began on December 29, 2025, when a man approached the division to report a criminal matter.
He was reportedly demanded ₦60,000 for "mobilization" to effect an arrest. After negotiations, he paid ₦10,000 for the operation and ₦8,000 to have his statement recorded, totaling ₦18,000.
The payments were allegedly received by the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), identified as Augustina Osariemen. The man also hired a commercial tricycle (Keke) at his own expense to transport officers.
Frustrated, the man's wife contacted Comrade Justice Oni-Edigin of the Bail is Free Campaign Organization, which advocates against unauthorized bail fees and police misconduct.
Oni-Edigin reportedly called the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to highlight the issue.
In response, the DPO summoned the wife to the station, where she claims he justified the payments as necessary for "fuel" and pressured her to retract the complaint. Sources allege he threatened to detain her husband if she refused, forcing her to call Oni-Edigin and falsely claim the extortion report was untrue.
Despite this, bail was denied, and instructions were given to charge the original matter to court.
The man remains in custody as of January 2, 2026, his fifth day detained, prompting accusations of retaliation for involving human rights monitors.
The Human Rights Freedom Global Network (HRFGN), led by Comrade Alexander Ojumah Egwali, has strongly condemned the actions.
In a statement, HRFGN accused officers at Evbuotubu Division of extorting ₦18,000 and demanding an additional ₦30,000 after the complaint was raised. They described the denial of bail from December 31, 2025, to January 2, 2026, as a violation of constitutional rights.
HRFGN called the conduct "a blatant abuse of office" and "an attempt to silence citizens," stressing that bail is a right, extortion is criminal, and reporting misconduct should not lead to punishment.
The group demanded the man's immediate release, an independent investigation, disciplinary action against culpable officers, and protections against further retaliation.
Neither the Evbuotubu Division nor the Edo State Police Command has issued an official response to these specific allegations as of the time of filing this report.
This case adds to ongoing concerns about police practices in Edo State, where extortion complaints have surfaced in recent months.
While the command has taken action in some instances such as recovering extorted funds and disciplining officers in unrelated cases, activists argue systemic issues persist, including unauthorized fees contrary to the Nigeria Police Act 2020.
Supporters are urging higher authorities, including the Inspector-General of Police, to intervene.
AHMWES Bail is Free Campaign Organization and HRFGN vow to pursue justice through legal channels, highlighting the difficulties citizens face in seeking police assistance without fear of reprisal.
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