PSC Replaces Edo Police Commissioner Following Uromi Killings

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has removed Mrs. Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin from her position as the Commissioner of Police in Edo State.

Reports from the news men indicate that her removal is linked to the killing of 16 Hausa-Fulani travelers in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State on March 27, 2025.

In her place, the PSC has appointed Monday Agbonika as the new Commissioner of Police.

Betty Otimenyin was appointed as the 49th Commissioner of Police in Edo State on January 16, 2025, succeeding CP Peter Umoru Ozigi, who retired on January 25, 2025.

A statement issued by Ikechukwu Ani, the Head of Press and Public Relations at the PSC, confirmed that Agbonika previously served as the Commissioner of Police (Mounted Troop) and Force Equitation Officer at the Force Headquarters in Abuja before his recent deployment.

According to Ani, the new CP underwent a posting interview chaired by PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), and was urged to act swiftly to address crime rates in Edo State. He was also directed to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent killings.

“You must be proactive, work towards gaining public confidence, engage relevant stakeholders, and ensure proper documentation of incidents and actions taken. Additionally, ensure that all necessary authorities are well-informed,” the statement read.

Ani further stated that Agbonika assured his commitment to upholding the law while performing his duties and emphasized that he would seek guidance from the Inspector General of Police when necessary.

Agbonika is a seasoned officer with 32 years of experience in operations, investigations, administration, police communications, and divisional management.

His past roles include Commissioner of Police Communications (Operations), Deputy Commissioner Interpol at the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Lagos, and DCP Operations at the Ports Authority Police Command in Port Harcourt.

He has also served as DCP in the Department of Finance and Administration at Zone 16, Yenagoa; Area Commander in Ota, Ogun State; Area Commander ‘M’ in Idimu, Lagos; and pioneer Area Commander in Ayetoro, Ogun State, among other assignments.