The Edo State Police Command has removed SP Nelson Igbinoba, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Ekpoma Division, following an anti-kidnapping protest that turned violent in the administrative headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area.

The protest, staged on Saturday, January 10, 2026, by local youths and students, initially began peacefully but escalated into violence, leading to property destruction, looting of stores, damage to vehicles, and the killing of livestock.

In a statement on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed that CSP Tomofe Nwabueze has been appointed as the new DPO, effective immediately.

“As part of ongoing security assessment and strategic repositioning in Ekpoma, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, has approved the posting of CSP Tomofe Nwabueze to assume office as the new DPO,” the statement read.

The police also noted that 52 suspects arrested in connection with the violent protest have been charged to court and remanded at Ubiaja Correctional Centre until February 26, 2026.