The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has praised Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, for their swift response to an extortion incident involving six police officers who allegedly extorted ₦2 million from NAS members.
The incident took place on August 3, 2025, on the outskirts of Benin City, where NAS members, returning from the association’s 49th Annual General Meeting/National Convention in Owerri, Imo State, were stopped at a police checkpoint. Under the pretext of a routine stop-and-search, the officers—comprising three inspectors, one constable, one unconfirmed Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), and a confirmed ASP—allegedly seized ₦2 million from a member’s account via a Point of Sale machine, alongside personal belongings and official NAS regalia.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NAS Cap’n, Dr. Joseph Oteri, condemned the officers’ actions as a “gross abuse of power and a betrayal of public trust.” He noted that despite the provocation, the affected members adhered to the association’s principles of discipline by promptly filing a formal complaint.
The police responded decisively, recovering and returning the ₦2 million, restoring all seized items, and identifying the six officers, who are now facing an orderly room trial. NAS commended the IGP and Edo CP for their actions, stating that the response sends a clear message that police misconduct will not be tolerated.
“This decisive action reinforces the importance of lawful redress and the police high command’s commitment to accountability,” Oteri said.
The association also disclosed that it had informed the IGP on July 21, 2025, about its planned movement for the Owerri convention, held from July 31 to August 3, and requested police support, including details of its official dress code and regalia.
NAS called for continued vigilance by the police to curb abuse and reaffirmed its commitment to a Nigeria governed by the rule of law, justice, and respect for human dignity.
