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.”