From Moshood Karim
An 18-year-old suspect, Usman Adamu, has confessed that he was immobilised by a charm, commonly referred to as “juju,” during an attempted theft at the residence of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, located in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Benin City.
Adamu, who was apprehended by the police in the early hours of July 23, 2024, along with another suspect, claims that his escape was thwarted by the supernatural after he attempted to flee by scaling the compound’s fence.
“I don’t know what happened to my brain. I was trying to run, but I was held down by what I believe was juju until the police officer touched me, and I regained my senses,” Adamu recounted.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu, who spoke on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Nemi Edwin-Iwo, Adamu was arrested around 1:30 a.m. while attempting to steal valuable artifacts from Chief Igbinedion’s residence.
The worth of the stolen artifacts is estimated to be around Five Hundred Million Naira (N500,000,000.00).
Adamu’s arrest led to the capture of a second suspect, 36-year-old Etuk Bassey, who was identified as the driver responsible for transporting the stolen artifacts. Both suspects have confessed to the crime, and police efforts to apprehend other accomplices are ongoing.
In a separate incident, police operatives also arrested two other suspects, Mustapha Suleiman, 27, and Isaac Joseph, 25, who were found in possession of a stolen Toyota Rav 4 with registration number EKY 855 JJ.
The vehicle was reportedly stolen from Lagos State, and the Lagos State Command has been notified for further investigation.
Adamu’s confession offers a glimpse into the peculiar circumstances surrounding the failed theft. He recounted how he was lured to the scene by an acquaintance he referred to as “senior man,” who promised him a reward for helping to carry an item.
However, upon arriving at the sprawling estate, Adamu grew suspicious and expressed concerns about security. His companion assured him there was no danger, but after scaling the fence and entering the compound, things took an unusual turn.
“Before I knew it, he was bending down like a monkey, and I was following him. He told me to wait, but when I looked around, he had disappeared, and security men were approaching. I tried to run, but something held me back. I could see everything, but my brain wasn’t working. I believe it was juju that held me,” Adamu explained.
The police have reiterated their commitment to bringing all culprits to justice and have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
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