Kelly Okungbowa arrest over alleged assault on police officer in Edo State sparks shock after Benin City incident involving ex-PSRT coordinator
Edo State Police Command headquarters in Benin City, Nigeria, the Edo State Police Command arrested Mr Kelly Okungbowa, a former aide to Governor Monday Okpebholo and ex-Coordinator of the Public Safety Response Team (PSRT), over allegations of assaulting a police officer on duty along the Upper Sakponba axis in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.
Also read: Edo Police arrest nine suspects in crime crackdown
The alleged assault on a police officer leading to Kelly Okungbowa’s arrest case , confirmed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, has triggered widespread public attention following claims that the suspect physically confronted an officer while enforcement duties were being carried out on Saturday evening, 30 May 2026.
ASP Ikoedem stated that Mr Okungbowa is currently in police custody and will be charged in court, emphasising that no individual is above the law and urging citizens to respect officers performing lawful duties.
The arrest has been described by authorities as part of a firm stance on discipline and accountability within the state’s security framework.
The Kelly Okungbowa arrest assault police officer incident has further intensified scrutiny due to the suspect’s previous roles in government-linked security operations.
He formerly served as Chairman of a committee established by Governor Monday Okpebholo for the recovery of government vehicles and later as Coordinator of the PSRT before his suspension on 14 March 2025 following public complaints of extortion and misconduct.
Further controversy surrounds Mr Okungbowa’s past, including a reported arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in March 2025 over alleged naira abuse after a viral video showed him spraying currency at a social venue in Benin City. He was later granted bail after being charged to court.
Civil society reaction also f
ollowed the latest development, with Mr Kola Edokpayi, President of the Talakawa’s Rights Group, condemning the alleged assault as unacceptable while praising officers for maintaining restraint.
He stressed that grievances against security personnel should be pursued through formal complaint channels rather than direct confrontation.
The group also referenced earlier allegations involving Mr Okungbowa, including claims of misconduct during his tenure in the PSRT and a widely reported incident involving journalists Mrs Juliet Enabulele and cameraman Mr Bright Osifo during a government empowerment programme organised by Mrs Remi Tinubu, wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City.
Also read: Edo Police arrest nine suspects in crime crackdown
Edo State Police Command says investigations are ongoing, with the matter expected to proceed to court in the coming days.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
