By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Nigeria Police Force National Central Bureau (NCB) of Interpol has arrested and repatriated a notorious Beninese fugitive, Sunday Kotin, to authorities in Benin Republic.
CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer in a statement said Interpol Benin had sought the assistance of its Nigerian counterpart for Kotin’s arrest over his alleged involvement in cross-border armed banditry, firearms smuggling, cattle rustling, and drug trafficking.
According to the statement, investigations revealed that seven members of his criminal syndicate are already standing trial in Benin, while Kotin fled into Nigeria to evade justice.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the NPF-NCB carried out a discreet operation in Idi Iroko, Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, which led to his arrest. The fugitive was subsequently interrogated and handed over to Interpol Cotonou officials.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their professionalism, stressing that Nigeria will never serve as a safe haven for fugitives or criminals, regardless of their networks or influence.
He reaffirmed the Police Force’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty, strengthening international cooperation, and upholding the rule of law, while assuring Nigerians and the global community of relentless efforts in the fight against transnational crime.
