Edo Police Warns Against Fake Bomb Threats, Extortion Scheme

The Edo State Police Command has raised alarm over a new wave of criminal activity involving fake bomb threats and extortion across the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Benin City, the Command described the development as a “disturbing crime trend” in which unknown persons contact individuals, business owners, and corporate organisations with claims that explosive devices have been planted within their premises.

According to the police, the callers often demand large sums of money from their targets, threatening to detonate the alleged explosives if their demands are not met.

The statement noted that preliminary investigations have revealed the threats to be entirely false and aimed solely at extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public.

“The Edo State Police Command wishes to alert the public that these threats are baseless and part of a coordinated scam to cause fear and extort victims. There is no credible intelligence suggesting the presence of any explosive devices at the locations mentioned by the callers,” the Command stated.

The Command advised residents, business operators, and corporate bodies to remain calm, stay vigilant, and promptly report any suspicious calls or activities to the nearest police station.

Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Funsho Adegboye, reiterated the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents. He assured that tactical units have been deployed to trace and apprehend the culprits behind the fraudulent scheme.

He also warned perpetrators of such criminal acts that the full weight of the law would be brought against them once arrested.

“The police will not tolerate any act intended to spread panic or extort law-abiding citizens. We are working closely with telecommunication service providers to track and prosecute those behind this scam,” he added.

Residents were urged to disregard any such threats and to verify suspicious claims directly with law enforcement authorities before taking any action.