BENIN CITY, Edo State — The Edo State Police Command has announced a series of arrests and recoveries involving suspected murder, sexual offences against minors, armed robbery, cultism, vehicle theft and illegal possession of ammunition across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, disclosed the developments during a press briefing on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, saying operatives had also conducted bush-combing and clearance operations aimed at improving security in communities and farming settlements.
According to the police chief, two suspects have been arrested in connection with separate murder cases, including one involving a female victim whose body was allegedly found by the roadside after parts of her body had been mutilated. The command said investigations were ongoing and the suspects would be charged to court.
The police also confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with alleged sexual assault and defilement cases involving minors, including a two-year-and-nine-month-old girl and a four-year-old child. The cases are being handled by the command’s Gender and Family Unit, with the suspects expected to appear in court.
In another major development, the Auchi Area Command reportedly dismantled a criminal syndicate allegedly responsible for the robbery of Paparazzi Communication Complex in Auchi on July 12, 2026.
The robbery reportedly resulted in the murder of the security guard on duty and the theft of property valued at more than ₦400 million.
The police identified the suspects as Hamisu Nuhu, 34, from Jattu, whom they described as the alleged mastermind, alongside Suleiman Rabiu, Hussaini Gago and Ibrahim Haruna.
The command said investigations were continuing into the robbery and murder.
Police Intercept GUO Transport Bus, Recover 350 Rounds of Ammunition
The command also reported the recovery of 350 rounds of ammunition and three bags containing substances suspected to be cannabis during a stop-and-search operation along the Benin–Lagos Road on October 20.
According to Daaor, operatives intercepted a Toyota Ultra bus belonging to GUO Transport Company, with registration number AGU721ZL, driven by 37-year-old Godwin Emeka.
A search of the vehicle allegedly led to the recovery of 100 rounds of 7.62mm AK-47 ammunition, 50 rounds of 7.65mm-calibre ammunition and 200 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Three bags of suspected cannabis were also reportedly recovered.
The police further announced the arrest of 40-year-old Enearu Louis, identified as the transport company’s operational manager.
The command did not provide further details in the briefing about the intended destination of the ammunition or the circumstances surrounding its transportation.
Man Arrested Over Alleged Theft of Five Vehicles
In a separate case, operatives arrested 30-year-old Osakpanwan Ekuase on August 31, 2026, over the alleged theft of five vehicles from a mechanic workshop in Ogheghe Community, Benin City.
The police alleged that Ekuase posed as a worker at the workshop before stealing the vehicles.
The command said the arrest formed part of its efforts to tackle vehicle theft and other property-related crimes across the state.
Four Suspected Eiye Cult Members Arrested in Benin City
The police also announced the arrest of four men following an incident involving operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit along Upper Siluko Road, Benin City, on October 17.
According to the command, operatives conducting intelligence gathering received information that suspected cult members were planning to initiate new members.
The officers reportedly intercepted Kevwe Kokori, 30, who claimed to be a member of a vigilante group and was initially released.
The police alleged that he later returned with approximately 20 men on motorcycles, armed with dangerous weapons, and attempted to attack the operatives. A police vehicle’s windscreen was reportedly damaged during the confrontation.
Four suspects were subsequently arrested. They were identified as Kevwe Kokori, 30; Omoregbe Iguma, 38; Gabriel Kokori, 32; and Emmanuel Friday, 39.
The command said the suspects confessed during interrogation to belonging to the Eiye Secret Cult Confraternity. Police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend others allegedly involved in the incident.
In a related case, operatives arrested Chidiebere Osazee on October 2 at an uncompleted building around AY Junction in Ulegun Community, off the Benin–Abraka Road.
The police said the operation followed intelligence that suspected criminals were gathering at the building.
A cut-to-size single-barrelled gun was allegedly recovered from Osazee, who reportedly admitted belonging to the Eiye Secret Cult Confraternity and claimed ownership of the weapon. The command said efforts to arrest other alleged members were continuing.
Two Suspected Armed Robbers Arrested, Motorcycle Recovered
The command further disclosed the arrest of two men suspected of robbing motorcycle riders around Amagba, Ugbor and the GRA area of Benin City.
The operation followed information received on October 11 from a woman identified as Blessing Ezekiel, who reportedly told the police that her boyfriend, Nanta James, also referred to as Sani, frequently returned home late at night with bloodstains on his clothes.
Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, working with personnel from Ugbor Division and members of the Edo State Security Corps, subsequently arrested James.
According to the police, the suspect admitted involvement in armed robbery and described his alleged role as dispossessing unsuspecting motorcycle riders of their motorcycles.
Investigations reportedly led to the arrest of an alleged accomplice, Sambo Nathan Bala, who the police said also confessed to the crime. A motorcycle believed to have been stolen was recovered.
The command said investigations into the case were ongoing.
Daaor urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies and promptly report suspicious activities to the police.
He said the command remained committed to protecting lives and property, preventing crime and maintaining peace across Edo State.
The allegations against the arrested individuals have not been determined by a court. All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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