The Edo State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading a viral social media claim alleging that suspects arrested in connection with the gruesome murder of 12-year-old Emiliano Egwunbare in Obagie Community, Egor Local Government Area, Benin City, have been released.
According to a statement issued by the Command on Friday, the tragic incident occurred on 16 September 2025, when the young boy was reportedly abducted by unknown assailants. The case, first lodged at the Ogida Police Division, was later transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Unit in Benin for a discreet and thorough investigation.
Through what the police described as sustained tactical and technical intelligence, three suspects — Tega Emajuwa (18), Edugie Destiny (20), and Osayande Vincent (23) — were apprehended and reportedly made confessional statements linking them directly to the crime.
Tragically, the victim’s remains were later discovered inside a well within Obagie Community. His body was subsequently evacuated and deposited at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) mortuary for autopsy.
In a viral video circulating online, Emiliano’s grieving
mother alleged that the suspects had been released from custody. However, the Command has firmly denied the allegation, clarifying that the suspects were never released but were charged to court on 16 October 2025 and have since been remanded for prosecution.The statement noted that the victim’s mother was present in court during the proceedings.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika (fdc), while expressing heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family, appealed for calm and understanding, assuring that justice will take its full course. He further explained that the Command no longer parades suspects before the media — a policy aligned with international best practices and constitutional provisions to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations and judicial processes.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and justice, the Edo Police urged members of the public to disregard unverified claims circulating online and to seek information directly from official sources.
“We remain resolute in ensuring that every case of crime, especially one as painful as this, is handled with utmost seriousness and fairness,” the statement concluded.
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