The Police Service Commission (PSC) has dismissed Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin from her position as Commissioner of Police for Edo State, following the tragic killings of 16 Hausa-Fulani travelers in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, on March 27, 2025. The dismissal is believed to be related to this incident, prompting the PSC to appoint Monday Agbonika as her replacement.
Betty Otimenyin had been appointed as the 49th Commissioner of Police for Edo State on January 16, 2025, taking over from Peter Umoru Ozigi, who retired on January 25, 2025.
In an official statement, Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, announced that Agbonika, who was previously the Commissioner of Police (Mounted Troop) and Force Equitation Officer at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, had been appointed as the new Commissioner of Police for Edo State.
Agbonika, who has extensive experience in various law enforcement roles, was briefed by the PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), during a posting interview. He was instructed to take immediate action in addressing the rising crime in the state and to focus on restoring public trust, especially following the tragic events in Uromi.
The PSC leadership emphasized the importance of Agbonika’s efforts to regain public confidence by consulting with relevant stakeholders and ensuring transparency in his actions. “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, ensuring those who should be informed are properly updated on your actions,” they were quoted as saying.
Agbonika, who has 32 years of service in the police force, assured the PSC that he would follow all legal protocols in his new role, relying on the guidance of the Inspector General of Police for necessary support.
Throughout his career, Agbonika has served in numerous prominent positions, including Commissioner of Police Communications (Operations), Deputy Commissioner of Interpol, and Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Alagbon Close, Lagos. He has also held leadership roles in various regional commands, including as DCP Operations at the Ports Authority Police Command in Port Harcourt, DCP in the Department of Finance and Administration at Zone 16 in Yenagoa, and Area Commander for several locations, including Ota, Ogun State, Idimu in Lagos, and Ayetoro, Ogun State.
The appointment of Agbonika signals the PSC’s commitment to addressing the growing security challenges in Edo State and restoring law and order in the wake of the devastating killings in Uromi.
