Man Arrested for Stealing Artefacts in Benin Claims He Was Caught by Juju”

On Wednesday, the Edo State Police Command paraded two key suspects involved in significant criminal activities in the state. The suspects, 18-year-old Adamu Usman from Kano State and 27-year-old Ibrahim Yahaya, were among five individuals presented to the press at the police headquarters in Benin City.

1. Adamu Usman: Usman was apprehended for stealing valuable artefacts from the residence of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, located in the Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin City. The stolen artefacts are valued at approximately N500 million. Usman claimed he was deceived into participating in the theft by an accomplice who is now at large. According to Usman, he was unable to escape from the premises due to supernatural barriers described as “juju” before being caught by security.
2. Ibrahim Yahaya: Yahaya is accused of kidnapping Mr. Igbinosun Evans, a leader of the Ugbogui Community in Ovia North East Local Government Area. Yahaya reportedly demanded and received a ransom of N7 million for Evans’ release. During police interrogation, Yahaya admitted to the kidnapping and has been cooperating with authorities to locate other suspects involved in the crime.

The Edo State Police Command has also reported the recovery of a stolen Toyota Rav 4 with registration number EKY 855 JJ. The vehicle was found in the possession of Mustapha Suleiman and Isaac Joseph, who had traveled from Lagos to sell the vehicle in Benin City. The Lagos State Command has been contacted for further investigation.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Moses Yamu, stated that the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to combat crime in the region. Commissioner of Police, Nemi Iwo, has emphasized community-based policing and given directives to all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Tactical Teams to enhance safety and security within their areas of jurisdiction.

The command remains committed to tackling kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal activities, with continued efforts to apprehend fleeing suspects and recover stolen property.