Metro

Edo: Police Launch Manhunt As Grave Robbers Invade Residence, Exhume, Steal Corpse Of Octogenarian

Published

3 years ago

June 18, 2023

Police operatives from Zone 5 Headquarters, Benin, have launched a manhunt of persons suspected to be grave robbers who invaded a private residence, exhumed and whisked away the corpse of an octogenarian landlord few hours after he was buried inside his room in Benin City.

It could not be immediately ascertained whether any valuables were in the grave when the robbers struck.

Police identified the stolen corpse as that of Pa. Edebiri Anthony, 87 in the incident which occurred at 10, Mission Road, Benin City.

Speaking,Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 5 Headquarters in charge of Delta and Edo states Commands, DSP Tijani Momoh, stated that men of the homicide section had commenced full scale investigation as directed by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Arungwa Nwazue Udo, in the zone.

“On the receipt of a petition received from some children of the Late Pa Anthony Edebiri, the AIG, Zone 5, Benin City directed men of the homicide section of the Zone to immediately commence investigation.

“Two suspects Ekiuwa Igbe and Kingsley Osagie were invited and interrogated over conspiracy, unlawful exhumation and stealing of the corpse of Anthony Edebiri.

“They denied the allegations, investigation is on going”, DSP Tijani said.

Meanwhile, a visit to the deceased residence on Mission Road revealed that no economic activities was going on there as all shops in the building were not opened for business.

Efforts to contact a man identified simply as “Chairman of the compound”, failed.

A source who claimed to be a relation of late Pa Edebiri Anthony, said that the corpse was buried on January 9th, 2021 and stolen about 12 a.m on January 10th, 2021.

He said the deceased had children from many wives and that one Edwin who lives abroad is the only male child.

“My brother, I commend the homicide men. I have confidence in the way investigation is going now, all parties have been interviewed and statements made”, the source said.

A notable custodian of African Traditional Religion condemned the act, saying graves are sacred grounds and should never be disturbed, unless in exceptional circumstances, as deliberate acts of destruction, theft or vandalism in places where people have been buried are not only prohibited by law but also considered a taboo in Benin tradition and most African communities.

He appealed to the Edo State Government and other relevant institutions to deal decisively with anyone or group found to have wilfully desecrated grave.

Nigerian Observer

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

22 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
‎
Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
‎
The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
‎
‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
‎
‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
‎
He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
‎

Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

3 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.