CurrentReport Blog In a recent development, the Edo State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against illicit drugs, unveiling a clandestine operation worth N20 million in Benin City. The Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, disclosed the arrest of two fake police inspectors, Alex Akaeze and Kadiri Hassan, along with three other individuals allegedly involved in the illicit drug trade.
The arrests were made following meticulous intelligence work and swift action by the Command’s Intelligence and Rapid Response Squad. The suspects were apprehended at a guest house in Benin City, where a sizable quantity of the illicit drug known as ‘ice’ was seized, weighing a total of 1,080 kilograms.
Akaeze and Hassan, who claimed to be serving police inspectors, confessed to their involvement in the criminal activities. Akaeze recounted his journey within the police force since his enlistment in 2009, while Hassan revealed his entry into the force in 2008. Both suspects admitted to evading duty at their assigned station in Alagbon, Lagos, and instead, pursued unlawful activities.
The arrests shed light on the complex network of criminal elements infiltrating law enforcement agencies. Akaeze’s revelation about colluding with former colleagues underscores the challenges faced by authorities in combating internal corruption within the police force.
Ovie Samuel, one of the individuals implicated in the drug procurement, denied any prior knowledge of the illegal trade, claiming to have been misled by the perpetrators posing as legitimate law enforcement officers.
Commissioner Adegboye affirmed that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be promptly charged to court to face justice. The swift action taken by the Edo State Police Command serves as a testament to their commitment to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure the safety and security of residents.
