April 3, 2025 – In a significant move aimed at enhancing security in Edo State, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has appointed Monday Agbonika as the new Commissioner of Police.
This decision takes effect immediately as Agbonika succeeds CP Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, who previously held the position.
Notably, this appointment occurs at a critical time due to the state’s ongoing struggles with increased violence and a series of recent killings.
The PSC announced Agbonika’s appointment during a formal posting interview held at their headquarters.
This event was presided over by the Commission’s Chairman, Deputy Inspector General of Police Hashimu Argungu (rtd).
Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, a retired Supreme Court Justice representing the judiciary, and Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission, provided notable support during the proceedings.
During the meeting, the Commission’s leadership emphasized the urgent nature of Agbonika’s new responsibilities.
Consequently, they urged him to take immediate action to restore peace and security in Edo State.
They outlined a proactive approach as essential for mitigating potential reprisals stemming from the recent violent incidents.
“You must quickly settle down and work to reduce the crime rate in the state,” stated DIG Argungu.
Furthermore, Argungu indicated that Agbonika’s success would heavily depend on his management of the suspects arrested in connection with the recent killings.
To ensure effective governance, the PSC chair highlighted the necessity for Agbonika to actively engage with local stakeholders.
Notably, they emphasized documenting incidents meticulously and keeping the public informed about his actions and decisions.
“Winning the confidence of the people is paramount,” Argungu added.
Additionally, Argungu stressed that transparency and community engagement would be central to Agbonika’s tenure.
Moreover, the commission advised Agbonika to leverage the expertise of the police’s tactical units.
This collaboration between various police departments is crucial for achieving the collective goal of improved security within the state.
This directive aligns with the overarching goal of restoring sanity in a state that has recently witnessed significant unrest.
In response to the Commission’s expectations, CP Agbonika assured members that he would uphold the law diligently, respecting all established protocols. He expressed his commitment to collaborating closely with the Inspector General of Police to navigate the challenges ahead.
Prior to this appointment, Agbonika served as the Commissioner of Police for the Mounted Troop at the Force Headquarters.
He brings over 32 years of extensive experience to his new role. Specifically, he has held critical positions across various policing units, including Operations, Investigation, and Administration.
Furthermore, his previous roles include Commissioner of Police for Communications (Operations), Deputy Commissioner of Interpol, and Deputy Commissioner of Operations at the Ports Authority Police Command in Port Harcourt.
As Agbonika embarks on this new chapter, cautious optimism surrounds his ability to foster change in Edo State’s security landscape.
Stakeholders and citizens alike monitor his initiatives closely, hoping his decisions will lead to a safer environment for all residents.
The community eagerly awaits the impact of his leadership on their safety and well-being.
The Police Service Commission’s proactive measures in appointing new leadership during crises underscore its commitment to addressing security challenges.
Moreover, these actions aim to restore public confidence in law enforcement throughout Nigeria.
