From Ebohon Joan
The Edo State Police Command has announced the arrest of several suspects linked to alleged murder, sexual offences, armed robbery, cult-related activities and other criminal incidents across the state.
The police also disclosed that 350 rounds of ammunition of different calibres were recovered from a commercial bus intercepted along the Benin-Lagos Road. Two officials of a transport company were arrested in connection with the incident.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Patrick Daaor, made the disclosures during a briefing published on the command’s Facebook page on Wednesday.
According to the commissioner, the arrests and recoveries followed intelligence gathering, patrols and stop-and-search operations conducted in different parts of the state.
Police Investigate Murder, Arrest Two Suspects
The command revealed that two suspects had been arrested in connection with separate murder cases, including the killing of a woman whose body was reportedly found by the roadside.
Police alleged that the woman had been killed and one of her breasts severed before her body was abandoned. However, the command did not release the identities of the suspects or provide additional details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The police said investigations into the cases were ongoing and that the suspects would be taken to court.
Four Arrested Over Auchi Robbery Worth More Than N400 Million
The police said operatives of the Auchi Area Command had arrested four men allegedly involved in a robbery at the Paparazzi Communication Complex in Auchi on July 12, 2026.
The incident reportedly led to the death of the security guard on duty and the loss of property valued at more than N400 million.
The suspects were identified as Hamisu Nuhu, 34, from Jattu, who was described by the police as the alleged mastermind, alongside Suleiman Rabiu, Hussaini Gago and Ibrahim Haruna.
The command did not specify the items allegedly stolen or confirm whether any of the missing property had been recovered.
GUO Bus Intercepted With Ammunition, Suspected Cannabis
In a separate operation on October 20, police officers reportedly intercepted a Toyota Ultra bus belonging to GUO Transport Company along the Benin-Lagos Road.
A search of the vehicle, with registration number AGU721ZL, allegedly uncovered 100 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition, 50 rounds of 7.65mm ammunition and 200 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Three bags containing substances suspected to be cannabis were also reportedly found inside the bus.
The driver, Godwin Emeka, 37, and Enearu Louis, 40, identified by the police as the company’s operational manager, were arrested.
The command did not disclose the source of the ammunition, its intended destination or whether the suspects had been formally charged.
Four Suspected Cult Members Arrested in Benin City
The police also announced the arrest of four men allegedly belonging to the Eiye Secret Cult Confraternity following an incident along Upper Siluko Road in Benin City on October 17.
According to the command, officers attached to the Violent Crime Response Unit were gathering intelligence after receiving information about a planned initiation of new members.
The police said a man identified as Kevwe Kokori, who claimed to be a member of a vigilante group, was initially stopped and later released. The command alleged that he subsequently returned with about 20 men on motorcycles who attempted to attack the officers and damaged the windscreen of a police vehicle.
Four suspects were arrested during the incident. They were identified as Kevwe Kokori, 30; Omoregbe Iguma, 38; Gabriel Kokori, 32; and Emmanuel Friday, 39.
The police said the suspects admitted to belonging to the confraternity, while efforts were continuing to apprehend other members who reportedly fled.
In another cult-related operation, officers arrested Chidiebere Osazee at an uncompleted building near AY Junction in Ulegun community, off the Benin-Abraka Road, on October 2.
A locally modified, cut-to-size single-barrelled gun was reportedly recovered from him. Police alleged that he confessed to belonging to the Eiye confraternity and claimed ownership of the weapon. The command said efforts to arrest other suspects were ongoing.
Two Suspected Motorcycle Robbers Arrested
The command further reported the arrest of two men suspected of robbing motorcycle riders in parts of Benin City, including Amagba, Ugbor and the Government Reserved Area.
The police said the investigation followed a report from Blessing Ezekiel, who raised concerns about her boyfriend, Nanta James, also known as Sani, allegedly returning home late at night with bloodstains on his clothes.
Officers from the Violent Crime Response Unit, working with the Ugbor Division and the Edo State Security Corps, subsequently arrested James.
According to the police, James allegedly confessed to participating in armed robbery, particularly the theft of motorcycles from riders. His alleged accomplice, Sambo Bala, was later arrested, and a stolen motorcycle was reportedly recovered.
Three Suspects Held Over Alleged Sexual Offences Against Children
The police also disclosed that three suspects were being held in connection with separate sexual assault and defilement allegations involving minors.
The cases reportedly include incidents involving a child aged two years and nine months and another child aged four.
The command said its Gender and Family Unit was handling the investigations and that the suspects were expected to face prosecution. No further details about the allegations or the identities of those arrested were released.
Man Arrested Over Alleged Theft of Five Vehicles
In another case, police arrested a 30-year-old man, Osakpanwan Ekuase, on August 31 over the alleged theft of five vehicles from a mechanic workshop in Ogheghe community, Benin City.
The command alleged that Ekuase posed as a worker at the workshop before taking the vehicles.
The police urged residents to remain alert, cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious movements or activities to the appropriate authorities.
The command said investigations into the reported cases were continuing, with further action expected as inquiries progress.
