Uromi Killings: Edo CP Removed, Agbonika Takes Over
•By Admin
BENIN – The Police Service Commission has replaced Edo State Commissioner of Police, Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, with Monday Agbonika of the Police Mounted Troop.
The removal of the CP may not be unconnected with the recent killing of 16 persons of northern extraction in Uromi, Esan North East of Edo State by mob and vigilante groups.
A statement signed by Ikechukwu Ani, head, Press and Public Relations, Police Service Commission, and shared on the commission’s verified X (formally twitter) handle stated that the replacement takes effect from today, April 3 2025.
According to the statement, the new Edo State Commissioner of Police reported at the Police Service Commission for a posting interview that was presided over by Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), and Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court, along with Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission.
The statement stated that subsequently, the leadership of the Commission charged the new Commissioner to be proactive in Edo State and to settle down quickly so as to reduce the crime rate in the state.
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In the statement, the new CP was advised to look into the “issue surrounding the recent killings in the state and was reminded that what he does or not with the arrested suspects from the killings will determine his success or not in the state.”
Part of the official statement reads: “You have to sit up and also work to win the confidence of the people, consult relevant stakeholders and always document every incident and action taken and make sure those who should be informed are properly informed of your actions.
“The new Edo CP was also advised to avoid sidelining the requisite Police Departments for Tactical Units.
“CP Agbonika promised the Commission that he will stand by relevant laws in the discharge of his duties and will always depend on the Inspector General of Police for necessary guidance.
“CP Agbonika was until his posting, Commissioner of Police, Mounted Troop, Force Equitation Officer, Force Headquarters.
“He is a seasoned Police Officer of 32 years experience which covered, Operations, Investigation, administration, Police Public Information and Area/Divisional Police Management .
“He was earlier Commissioner of Police Communications (Operations), Deputy Commissioner Interpol, Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon close, Lagos; DCP Ops, Ports Authority Police Command, Port Harcourt; DCP Department of Finance and Admin, Zone 16 Yenagoa; Area Commander Ota, Ogun State; Area Commander ‘M’ Idimu, Lagos; and pioneer Area Commander Ayetoro , Ogun State amongst other postings.”
“CP Agbonika has served meritoriously on several national and international assignments, including the UN Mission in Liberia.
“In 2013, he received the award for the most people friendly police station in an award ceremony in South Africa on behalf of Isokoko Police Station. He has received several other awards.
“During the ENDSars protests, Agbonika and his officers were protected by locals from the invading protesters who had marched to attack his station. He is renowned for refusing bribes.”
•INDEPENDENTNG.