Metro

‘I Was Held By Juju’ – Man Who Stole Artefacts Worth N500m From Esama’s Compound Confesses

Published

2 years ago

September 4, 2024

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

18-year-old Adamu Usman has confessed to the Edo State Police Command that he was “arrested by some juju in Esama’s residence” when he went to the compound to steal artifacts worth five hundred million naira (₦500,000,000.00).

Usman, who hails from Kano State said he was deceived by one of his friends ( now at- large), to come to Esama’s house to steal the artefacts but unfortunately he was held down.

The suspects made the confession when he was paraded alongside 27- year-old Ibrahim Yahaya who was arrested for allegedly kidnapping Mr. Igbinosun Evans,a leader of Ugbogui Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state, and five other suspects.

“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,” the suspect confesses.

Parading the suspects on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Nemi Iwo, Edo State police spokesman, SP Moses Yamu, said Adamu Usman was arrested following reports of theft of artefacts from the residence of the Esama of Benin.

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 a 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 named Etuk Bassey ‘m’ 36yrs who happened to be the driver who usually conveys these stolen artifacts. The suspects have confessed to the crime while efforts to track and arrest other fleeing suspects is on.”

He further said: “On 09/07/2024 at about 0930hrs Mr. Igbinosun Evans, leader of the 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 Rav4 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 had been contacted for take over of the case for further investigation.”

Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

1 day 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

2 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.

Metro

Grandfathers Arrested For Drug Trafficking

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

Two grandfathers, aged 83 and 78, are among several suspects apprehended by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a fresh nationwide crackdown on illicit drug trafficking.

Pa John Ofiel, 83, was arrested on Tuesday, 28 April during a raid in the Aba region of Abia State.

The NDLEA said that operatives acting on credible intelligence recovered 700 grams of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis already packaged into retail sachets.

The octogenarian, who claimed to be a professional shoemaker allegedly confessed to delving into the illicit trade.

In Ekiti State on Thursday 30 April 78 year old Ogunjobi Samuel was detained at his residence in Ilupeju-Ekiti where officers seized 350 grams of cannabis from him, identifying him as a local peddler.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, (CCEO), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), commended the various state commands for their drug supply reduction efforts.

He urged officers to maintain the current momentum, balancing enforcement with the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities.
The enforcement drive also led to the arrest of a notorious drug dealer in Oyo State Taofik Adeyemi, 49.

He was apprehended on Saturday, 2 May, at his residence in Ibadan after months of evading the authorities.

He was caught alongside his salesman, Mustapha Oyerinde, with 3.085kg of cannabis and a getaway vehicle.

Across other states, the NDLEA recorded significant seizures including over 140,000 pills and capsules of Tramadol intercepted in separate operations targeting transit routes from Damaturu to Hadejia.

A raid on Awolowo Market in Mushin area of Lagos state resulted in the recovery of 740kg of cannabis while in Kaduna, two suspects were caught on the Abuja-Jos highway with 290kg of compressed cannabis concealed in a Honda Ridgeline.

A 65-year-old driver was intercepted at the Ile-Ife toll gate in Osun state conveying skunk and methamphetamine, leading to a follow up arrest of the consignment’s owner in Ilesha.

In line with it’s mandate, the NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy, holding enlightenment lectures for students, Islamic schools, and commercial motorcyclists in Niger, Kano, Anambra, and Lagos states.

The NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, noted that the agency remains committed to “cleansing the streets” of both notorious distributors and those who use age as a shield for criminal activity.