Francis Ogbuagu,Benin
The Edo State Police Command on Wednesday paraded an 18-years-old,Adamu Usman, from Kano State for stealing artefacts from the GRA,Benin City residence of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.
The Command also arrested 27- years -old, Ibrahim Yahaya for kidnapping Mr. Igbinosun Evans,a leader of Ugbogui Community,Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.The duo were among five suspects paraded by the Edo State Police Command at the Police Headquarters, Benin City.
Speaking,the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Nemi Iwo, represented by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Moses Yamu said ,Adamu Usman was arrested following reports of theft of artefacts from the residence of the Esama of Benin.
He noted that artefacts worth about Five Hundred Million Naira (N500,000,000.00) had earlier been stolen from Esama’s house by the suspects.
SP Yamu, announced that another suspect,Ibrahim Yahaya , 27-yrs -old was arrested for kidnapping Mr. Igbinosun Evans,a leader of Ugbogui community,who paid
a ransom of seven million (7,000,000) before his release.
He said. “The Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Nemi Iwo on assumption of duty, gave marching order to all DPOs and Tactical Teams Commanders to ensure safety of all under his area of responsibility by embracing community-based policing.
In his commitment to maintaining the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities in the State under his stewardship, the command has recorded breakthrough in this regard:
“Following reports of theft of artifacts from the residence of the Esama of Benin, Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion located at Okada Avenue, GRA Benin City, operatives of the Command on surveillance around the residence arrested one Adamu Usman ‘m’ 18yrs on 23/07/2024 at about 0130hrs while trying to steal artifacts. The worth of the already stolen artifacts is estimated at about Five Hundred Million Naira (N500,000,000.00).
Upon interrogation, the suspect’s confession led to the arrest of another suspect name Etuk Bassey ‘m’ 36yrs who happened to be the driver who usually convey these stolen artifacts. The suspects have confessed to the crime while efforts to track andarrest other fleeing suspects is on.”
Continuing,he said.
“On 09/07/2024 at about 0930hrs Mr. Igbinosun Evans, leader of Ugbogui community was kidnapped and a ransom of seven million (7,000,000) paid for his release by the family. Upon receipt of the complaint, Operatives of the Command’s Intelligence Rapid Response Squad (CIRRS) tracked and arrested one Ibrahim Yahaya Jolly ‘m’ 27yrs. The suspect confessed to the crime and have been cooperating with the Police for the possible arrest of others at large and recovery of their arms.”
He,also announced the recovery of stolen vehicle,Toyota Rav 4 with registration number EKY 855 JJ, from ,Mustapha Suleiman,( a driver) and his friend, Isaac Joseph who came from Lagos to sell the vehicle in Benin-City,but were apprehended by the police.
“On 03/09/2024 at about 1545hrs, operatives of Command’s X-Squad acting on credible information arrested the duo of Mustapha Suleiman ’m’ 27yrs and Isaac Joseph ‘m’ 25yrs in possession of a Toyota Rav 4 with registration number EKY 855 JJ, reasonably suspected to be stolen. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to have stolen the vehicle from Lagos State and were looking for a buyer to sell the vehicle.
The Lagos State Command have been contacted for take over of the case for further investigation.”
Speaking,one of the suspects, 18-years-old ,Adamu Usman, said he was deceived by one of the suspects( now at- large), to come to Esama’s house to steal the artefacts,but that he was arrested by some juju in Esama’s residence.
” I was deceived by the man that took me there,he did not tell me we were going to steal,but when we got there. He said I should jump the fence and when I jump the fence. I told him that if I see security, I will run away.
“When the security came ,he ran away, but I was caught by juju, because I became confused, until the security caught me
,that was when I regained my consciousness.” He said
