The Police Service Commission (PSC) has removed Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin as the Commissioner of Police for Edo State.
A statement issued on Thursday by the PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, confirmed the removal of the police commissioner.
Ani also announced the appointment of Monday Agbonika as the new Commissioner of Police for Edo State.
Otimenyin’s removal was coming few days after the brutal killing of 16 Hausa-Fulani travelers in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of the state.
Recalled that travellers claimed to be hunters were brutally hacked to death on March 27, 2025.
Otimenyin’s sack is being linked to the incident.
Betty Otimenyin was appointed the 49th Commissioner of Police in Edo State on January 16, 2025, succeeding Peter Umoru Ozigi, who retired on January 25, 2025.
Until this new appointment, Monday Agbonika, was the Commissioner of Police (Mounted Troop) and Force Equitation Officer at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Ani further stated that Agbonika was briefed by the PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), during a posting interview, and was charged with proactively addressing crime in the state.
The new CP was also urged to address the recent killings in Uromi and to quickly gain the trust of the public.
“You have to sit up and also work to win the confidence of the people, consult relevant stakeholders, and always document every incident and action taken, ensuring those who should be informed are properly updated on your actions,” the PSC leadership was quoted to have told him.
Agbonika assured that he would adhere to the relevant laws in his duties and rely on the guidance of the Inspector General of Police for necessary support.
A seasoned officer with 32 years of experience, Agbonika has served in various capacities, including Commissioner of Police Communications (Operations), Deputy Commissioner Interpol, Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Alagbon Close, Lagos, and DCP Operations at the Ports Authority Police Command in Port Harcourt.
His previous postings also include serving as DCP in the Department of Finance and Administration in Zone 16, Yenagoa, Area Commander for Ota, Ogun State, Area Commander for ‘M’ Idimu in Lagos, and the pioneer Area Commander for Ayetoro, Ogun State, among other distinguished roles.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
