First Female CP Resumes In Edo, Warns Policemen Against Extortion

Edo State has welcomed its first-ever female Commissioner of Police (CP), Betty Enekpen-Otimeyin, who assumed office on Monday. In her address, CP Enekpen-Otimeyin issued a stern warning to police officers in the state against extortion and random phone searches, emphasizing that such actions should only occur if necessary in the course of an investigation.

Enekpen-Otimeyin, who is the 49th Commissioner of Police in Edo State, explained that her directive on phone searches aligns with the Inspector General of Police’s stance. She emphasized that searching citizens’ phones without proper cause is not acceptable, and any action to do so should be grounded in valid investigative needs.

With a career spanning several states, Enekpen-Otimeyin, who began her service in Bauchi State in 1992, highlighted her previous roles, including serving as a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in several Edo divisions and as an Area Commander in Rivers and Imo States. She also held leadership positions as an Assistant Commissioner in Kebbi State and the Port Authority, and later as Deputy Police Commissioner before her promotion to CP.

“My primary focus here will be reducing crime and addressing extortion,” she said. “The IGP has strongly warned against it, and we will not tolerate such behavior. Additionally, I will give particular attention to gender-based violence, especially issues involving women and children.”

Enekpen-Otimeyin expressed her commitment to working on laws that protect women and children, referencing the Child Right Act as part of her agenda to promote justice and safety in Edo State.

Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the state’s law enforcement history, as she becomes the first female officer to lead the police command in Edo.