Metro

Suspected Meter Thief Arrested In Edo

Published

4 years ago

October 19, 2022

Editor

Members of the Edo State Security Network (vigilant) have arrested 33-year old man, Austine Ekhigiator, for allegedly stealing four prepaid meters in Azagba community of Uhumwode Local Government Area of the state.

The suspect, who resides at No 4, Erediauwa Street, Sapele Road, Benin City, was nabbed and handed over to police officers attached to the Egba Divisional Police Headquarters.

Ekhigiator, and three other accomplices now at large, were alleged to have stolen the meters installed on electric poles in the area.

Confirming the arrest, the Chief Security Officer of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, Gilbert Nweke, said the suspect was not a member of staff of the BEDC.

“The suspect worked with the contractor engaged by the Federal Government to install its National Mass Metering Programme in Edo. He ran out of luck and he was apprehended. They sent a message to us and we came. He has confessed to committing the illegal acts. So, we took him and handed him over to the police. His accomplices who are on the run will be tracked.

“We want to appeal to the public to be very alert when people come around that they want to repair their meters, usually they end up stealing the meters,” Nweke said.

Mrs Gladys Evbodaghe, a victim of such theft said the suspect came to her house with two other men to repair her meter unknown to her that they had removed the meter from the box.

“The suspects and his accomplices always meet meter owners that they wanted to correct error on the meters pretending to be BEDC staff.

“They will climb the pole and remove the meter, put in their bag under the guise that they are taking them for repairs.

“I reported the matter at the Egba police station. Some members of Egba community arrested one of the suspects that stole my meter and they handed him over to the police. I want my meter back because I do not want estimated billing,” said the victim.

Metro

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

Published

8 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
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎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
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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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.”
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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

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.