Inside Edo
Edo activists protest police misconduct, demand removal of CP Agbonika amid 21-day ultimatum
Written By: Louis Odianose Pius/Emmanuel Ikhenebome
22 Dec 2025 08:06 PM
Benin, Edo – Members of AHMWES Bail is Free Campaign Organization staged a peaceful protest in Benin City on Monday, marching to the Edo State House of Assembly to submit a petition calling for an investigation into unprofessional conduct by the state police command.
The demonstrators accused Commissioner of Police (CP) Monday Agbonika of failing to address widespread extortion, intimidation, and arbitrary detentions by officers.
The demonstrators who marched through major roads in the state capital issued a 21-day ultimatum for his removal, warning of further actions if their demands are ignored.
Led by coordinator Comrade Justice Oni-Edigin, the protesters emphasized violations of citizens' rights under the Police Act 2020.
"The Nigerian police force has failed... what we are getting is arbitrary detention," Oni-Edigin told journalists, adding that police should protect lives and property rather than "kidnap" individuals through unlawful arrests.
Protesters carried placards with messages such as "Stop the unlawful detention," "Stop police extortion," "Bail is free, stop the merchandise," and "We demand accountability and transparency."
The group, received by Hon. Maria Edeko, chairperson of the House Committee on Security and Public Safety assured the activists that the assembly opposes illegalities and prioritizes residents' safety, committing to review the petition with evidence provided.
"The Edo State House of Assembly will look into it," she stated, praising the protesters' peaceful approach.
The march continued to Zone 5 Police Headquarters, the Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the Government House, where additional petition copies were submitted.
In a notable incident observed by DAILY South Nigeria, protesters intervened when a motorist claimed officers from the police traffic unit extorted N10,000 from him.
The demonstrators secured the immediate refund of the money.
This protest builds on the organization's ongoing campaign.
In October 2025, the group also known as AHMEFES held a press briefing demanding Agbonika's removal over insecurity, extortion, and unlawful detentions, issuing a 14-day ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police and Police Service Commission. No response was received, escalating tensions.
The Bail is Free Campaign has sensitized communities across Edo's 18 local government areas on bail rights and donated stationery to police stations to curb payment demands.
The Edo State Police command was yet to respond to the latest allegations.
The campaign, active in Edo and neighboring states like Delta, advocates for reforms to end bail exploitation and uphold human rights.
As the 21-day deadline begins, further escalations are anticipated if demands remain unmet.
The demonstrators accused Commissioner of Police (CP) Monday Agbonika of failing to address widespread extortion, intimidation, and arbitrary detentions by officers.
The demonstrators who marched through major roads in the state capital issued a 21-day ultimatum for his removal, warning of further actions if their demands are ignored.
Led by coordinator Comrade Justice Oni-Edigin, the protesters emphasized violations of citizens' rights under the Police Act 2020.
"The Nigerian police force has failed... what we are getting is arbitrary detention," Oni-Edigin told journalists, adding that police should protect lives and property rather than "kidnap" individuals through unlawful arrests.
Protesters carried placards with messages such as "Stop the unlawful detention," "Stop police extortion," "Bail is free, stop the merchandise," and "We demand accountability and transparency."
The group, received by Hon. Maria Edeko, chairperson of the House Committee on Security and Public Safety assured the activists that the assembly opposes illegalities and prioritizes residents' safety, committing to review the petition with evidence provided.
"The Edo State House of Assembly will look into it," she stated, praising the protesters' peaceful approach.
The march continued to Zone 5 Police Headquarters, the Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and the Government House, where additional petition copies were submitted.
In a notable incident observed by DAILY South Nigeria, protesters intervened when a motorist claimed officers from the police traffic unit extorted N10,000 from him.
The demonstrators secured the immediate refund of the money.
This protest builds on the organization's ongoing campaign.
In October 2025, the group also known as AHMEFES held a press briefing demanding Agbonika's removal over insecurity, extortion, and unlawful detentions, issuing a 14-day ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police and Police Service Commission. No response was received, escalating tensions.
The Bail is Free Campaign has sensitized communities across Edo's 18 local government areas on bail rights and donated stationery to police stations to curb payment demands.
The Edo State Police command was yet to respond to the latest allegations.
The campaign, active in Edo and neighboring states like Delta, advocates for reforms to end bail exploitation and uphold human rights.
As the 21-day deadline begins, further escalations are anticipated if demands remain unmet.
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