From Moshood Karim
Edo State Police have stormed a suspected criminal hideout at a popular hotel in Benin City, arresting one suspect and recovering a deadly arsenal of weapons, drugs, charms, and luxury cars — in a sweeping raid that has sent shockwaves through the criminal underworld.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives from the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Unit of the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) raided Kendrona Hotel, tucked just off Country Home Road, on Monday 13 May. The hotel, believed to be a haven for suspected armed robbers, kidnappers, and cultists, was turned into a battleground of justice as police moved in.
According to a statement made available to Uptown Press by the Edo State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, one suspect — identified as 22-year-old Endurance Oviojie — was arrested on the spot. However, four of his alleged accomplices, known only as Clinton, Jeff, Mike, and Emmanuel alias Slim Khalifa, managed a narrow escape by scaling the hotel’s fence into neighbouring compounds. Their surnames remain unknown, but a full-scale manhunt is now underway.
The sting operation led to the shocking recovery of a cache of criminal tools and stolen property, including: One English Beretta pistol, one locally fabricated pistol, one round of ammunition, eighteen live cartridges, five mobile phones of various makes, one electronic tablet, assorted charms and illicit drugs.
But the discovery didn’t end there.Further investigation led officers to a trove of luxury vehicles believed to be tied to the suspects. In total, four unregistered Mercedes-Benz cars were seized: A sleek black C350, a stylish grey C300, a compact grey GLA 250, a striking red GLE 350.
All vehicles are now in police custody as evidence. The arrested suspect has since been charged to court, and the Edo State Command has intensified efforts to track down the fleeing gang members. Police Commissioner CP Monday Agbonika, issued a stern warning in the aftermath of the raid: “Criminals have two choices — relocate from Edo State or face the full wrath of the law.”
He went on to reassure the public: “We remain fully committed to making Edo State safe. No one should feel unsafe in any part of this State, and we will not rest until that becomes a reality.”
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