Police act over Ekpoma protest, remove DPO

Barely three days after the anti-kidnapping protest that rocked Ekpoma, the administrative headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area, the Edo State Police Command has removed SP Nelson Igbinoba, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in charge of the Division.

It was reported that the protest which started peacefully, degenerated into violence, resulting in the destruction and vandalism of properties, including houses, vehicles, looting of stores, and killing of livestock, among others.

The protest was staged by the residents of the locality, mainly youths and students on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

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In a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the DPO has been replaced with CSP Tomofe Nwabueze.

Ikoedem said the new DPO, whose appointment took effect immediately, has since resumed office.

The statement said the development is part of the Command’s ongoing security assessment and strategic repositioning in Ekpoma.

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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.”

It has been recorded that 52 suspects arrested in connection with the violent protest have been charged to court and remanded at Ubiaja Correctional Centre till February 26, 2026