Edo: Police remove DPO over Ekpoma anti-kidnapping protest

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The Edo State Police Command dismissed SP Nelson Igbinoba, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in command of the Division, just three days after the anti-kidnapping demonstration that shook Ekpoma, the administrative center of Esan West Local Government Area.

According to ZINGTIE, the peaceful protest turned violent, leading to the damage and vandalism of various objects, including homes, cars, stores, and animals, among other things.

On Saturday, January 10, 2026, the local population, primarily young people and students, organized the demonstration.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, informed reporters on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, that CSP Tomofe Nwabueze has taken over for the DPO.

According to Ikoedem, the newly appointed DPO has subsequently returned to work.

The development is a component of the Command’s continuing security evaluation and strategic repositioning in Ekpoma, according to the statement.

The statement read, “The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that as part of ongoing security assessment and strategic repositioning in Ekpoma, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, has ordered the reorganisation of the Ekpoma Division, and approved the posting of CSP Tomofe Nwabueze to assume office as the new DPO with immediate effect.”

According to ZINGTIE, 52 people who were detained in relation to the violent demonstration have been charged in court and are being held at Ubiaja Correctional Center until February 26, 2026.

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