The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) strongly condemns the reprehensible act of extortion carried out by six police officers against some of its members in the outskirts of Benin City who were returning from the 49th Annual General Meeting/National Converge of the Association, which ended in Owerri, Imo State, on August 3.
Our members were accosted at a police checkpoint in the outskirts of Benin City, Edo State, under the guise of a routine stop-and-search operation by three Inspectors, one Constable, one Assistant superintendent of Police (unconfirmed ASP- one star) and another confirmed ASP (two stars).
However, rather than conduct a professional and lawful engagement, the officers resorted to intimidation and extortion. A total of ₦2 million, along with personal belongings and the official regalia of the Association, were unlawfully taken from one of the members.
The extortionist police officers used a Point of Sale (POS) machine to withdraw the money. The account to which the money was paid was: 5398377599, Moniepoint Microfinance Bank belonging to Babangida Sani at about 17:20 hours on August 3, 2025.
We condemn this gross abuse of power and betrayal of public trust in the strongest possible terms. No Nigerian, regardless of affiliation, deserves to be subjected to such criminal conduct by those entrusted with their protection.
However, we also recognise and commend the prompt and decisive action taken by the Inspector-General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, and the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbokina.
Upon receiving a formal complaint from the affected members, who, despite provocation, upheld our core values of discipline and due process, the authorities moved swiftly.
Thanks to their leadership, the ₦2 million was fully recovered and returned, and all seized items, including our regalia, were restored.
More importantly, the six erring officers have been identified, subjected to an orderly room trial, and recommended for dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force.
This swift response is commendable and sends a strong message that misconduct within the Police will not be tolerated. It also reinforces the importance of citizens choosing lawful channels in seeking redress, even in the face of provocation.
Before the AGM/National Convention, the Association wrote to the IGP on July 21, 2025, about our movement to Owerri from July 31 to August 3, 2025, and
The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, and the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, for their swift and decisive action against six police officers who extorted ₦2 million from its members returning from the Association’s 49th Annual General Meeting/National Convention which held in Owerri, Imo State.
The incident occurred on August 3, 2025, along the outskirts of Benin City, where a group of NAS members was stopped at a police checkpoint under the guise of a routine stop-and-search operation.
According to the Association, the officers, comprising three Inspectors, one Constable, one unconfirmed Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), and a confirmed ASP, resorted to intimidation and unlawfully withdrew ₦2 million from one member’s account using a Point of Sale (POS) machine Moniepoint Microfinance Bank belonging to Babangida Sani.
In addition to the cash, personal belongings and official NAS regalia were also seized.
“This is a gross abuse of power and a betrayal of public trust. No Nigerian—regardless of their affiliation—deserves to be subjected to such criminal conduct by officers sworn to protect them,” said NAS Cap’n, Dr Joseph Oteri, in a statement on Tuesday.
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.
The police authorities responded swiftly: the ₦2 million was fully recovered and returned, all seized items were restored, and the six officers were immediately identified, subjected to an orderly room trial, and recommended for dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force.
NAS praised the IGP and the Edo CP for sending a clear message that police misconduct will not be tolerated.
“This decisive response reinforces the importance of lawful redress and the commitment of the Police High Command to accountability,” the statement added.
The Association further revealed that it had formally written to the IGP on July 21, 2025, ahead of the Owerri convergence, informing him of the planned movement from July 31 to August 3 and requesting police support, including details of its official dress code and regalia.
While calling for sustained vigilance by the police in curbing abuse, NAS reiterated its commitment to a Nigeria governed by the rule of law, justice, and respect for human dignity.
