The Edo State Police Command on Wednesday paraded one 18-year-old Adamu Usman, from Kano State for stealing artefacts from the residence of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, at the Government Reservation Area, Benin.
The command also arrested 27-year-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 state police command at the police headquarters, Benin City.
The state Commissioner of Police, Nemi Iwo, represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu, said Usman was arrested following reports of theft of artefacts from the residence of the Esama of Benin.
He noted that artefacts of N500m were stolen from Esama’s house by the suspect.
On questioning, Usman confessed that 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. When we got there, he said I should jump the fence and when I did so, the security came, and he ran away, while I was caught by juju, because I became confused until the security caught me after which I regained my consciousness,” he said.
Meanwhile, Yahaya was said to have collected N7 million before releasing his hostage.
The PPRO said. “The Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Nemi Iwo on the assumption of duty, gave marching orders to all DPOs and Tactical Teams Commanders to ensure the safety of all under his area of responsibility by embracing community-based policing.
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“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 a breakthrough in this regard:
“Following reports of theft of artefacts 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 artefacts.”
He added, “The worth of the stolen artefacts is about N500 million. Upon interrogation, the suspect’s confession led to the arrest of another suspect, named Etuk Bassey ‘m’ 36yrs who happened to be the driver who usually conveyed these stolen artifacts.
“The suspects have confessed to the crime while efforts to track and arrest other fleeing suspects are on.”
Continuing, he said, “On 09/07/2024 at about 0930hrs Mr Igbinosun Evans, leader of Ugbogui community was kidnapped and a ransom of N7 million paid for his release by the family.
“Upon receipt of the complaint, Operatives of the Command’s Intelligence Rapid Response Squad tracked and arrested one Ibrahim Yahaya ‘m’ 27yrs. The suspect confessed to the crime and has been cooperating with the Police for the possible arrest of others at large and the recovery of their arms.”
He also announced the recovery of a 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.
“The Lagos State Command has been contacted to take over the case for further investigation,” he said.