The Police Service Commission (PSC) has announced the immediate removal of Mrs. Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin as the Commissioner of Police (CP) for Edo State, replacing her with CP Monday Agbonika. The decision follows the tragic killing of 16 Hausa-Fulani travelers in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, on March 27, 2025.
Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations for the PSC, confirmed the changes in a statement released earlier today. According to the statement, CP Agbonika, prior to his deployment, served as the Commissioner of Police (Mounted Troop), Force Equitation Officer at Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Mrs. Otimenyin had been appointed as the 49th CP of Edo State on January 16, 2025, succeeding CP Peter Umoru Ozigi upon his retirement on January 25, 2025.
CP Agbonika, following a posting interview presided over by the chairman of the PSC, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), received a clear directive to prioritize the reduction of crime rates in Edo State and to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent Uromi killings.
“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 and make sure those who should be informed are properly informed of your actions,” the statement emphasized. The PSC also advised the new CP to avoid sidelining established police departments in favor of Tactical Units.
CP Agbonika assured the commission of his commitment to upholding the law in the performance of his duties. “I will stand by relevant laws in the discharge of my duties and will always depend on the Inspector General of Police for necessary guidance,” he stated.
According to Ani’s statement, CP Agbonika brings to the role a wealth of experience spanning 32 years in various aspects of policing, including operations, investigation, administration, police public information, and area/divisional police management.
His previous assignments include Commissioner of Police Communications (Operations), Deputy Commissioner Interpol, Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon Close, Lagos; DCP Ops, Ports Authority Police Command, Port Harcourt; DCP Department of Finance and Admin, Zone 16 Yenagoa; Area Commander Ota, Ogun State; Area Commander ‘M’ Idimu, Lagos; and pioneer Area Commander, Ayetoro, Ogun State.
The PSC has charged CP Agbonika with proactively addressing the challenges facing Edo State and working diligently to restore public trust. He was specifically reminded that the outcome of the investigation and handling of suspects related to the Uromi killings will be a key indicator of his success in the state.
