Extortion: police officer arrested following social media report

In response to a wave of outrage on social media, Benin’s Republican Police acted swiftly after two videos surfaced implicating one of its officers in an extortion case.

The victim claims to have been forced to pay 20,000 CFA francs on the pretext of violating a traffic light regulation.

Alerted by the public outcry, the Director General of the Republican Police immediately ordered an internal investigation. The inquiry led to the identification and arrest of the officer involved.

In an official statement, the Republican Police announced that an administrative procedure is underway and that proportionate and dissuasive sanctions will be applied to the offender.

Zero tolerance for police misconduct

The General Directorate of the Police reminds all officers of their duty to act with courtesy, integrity, and professionalism in the performance of their duties. It also uses this occasion to encourage the public to report any cases of harassment or extortion they may witness or experience.

To that end, a toll-free number—166—is available for reporting any abusive behavior by law enforcement officers.