Seadogs hail IG, Edo CP for punishing officers who extorted members

The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, for their decisive action against six police officers who extorted ₦2 million from its members.

In addition to the cash, personal belongings and official NAS regalia were also seized.

The incident occurred on August 3, 2025, on the outskirts of Benin City, where a group of NAS members were stopped at a police checkpoint under the guise of a routine stop-and-search operation.

They were returning from the Association’s 49th Annual General Meeting/National Convention, which was held in Owerri, Imo State.

According to the association, the officers, comprising three inspectors, one constable, one unconfirmed Assistant Superintendent of Police, and a confirmed ASP, resorted to intimidation and unlawfully withdrew ₦2 million from one member’s account using a Point of Sale machine.

NAS Cap’n, Dr Joseph Oteri, in a statement on Tuesday, described the action of the police officers as gross abuse of power and betrayal of public trust.

He said that despite the provocation, the affected members of the confraternity upheld the association’s values of discipline and due process by promptly filing a formal complaint.

“No Nigerian, regardless of their affiliation, deserves to be subjected to such criminal conduct by officers sworn to protect them.

“Despite the provocation, our members upheld the association’s values of discipline and due process by promptly filing a formal complaint.”

He said the police responded swiftly, and the ₦2 million was recovered and returned, all seized items were restored, and the six officers were immediately identified and are facing an orderly room trial.