Police arrest nine over alleged killing of minors, driver, community chief in Edo
Edo State Police Arrest Nine Suspects in Connection with Multiple Homicides
BENIN CITY, Nigeria — The Edo State Police Command, in coordination with various security agencies, has apprehended nine individuals linked to the alleged killings of two minors, a local chief, and a driver across different locations in the state.
According to the police’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, operatives from the Jattu Division detained a 23-year-old man, identified as Omokhudu Innocent, in connection with the deaths of two children in the Ayogwiri Community, located in the Etsako West Local Government Area. The minors, Praise Aloye, 7, and Oshone Ekhaesomhi, 6, were found deceased on August 31, 2026.
Following the report, police officials quickly responded to the scene where the children’s bodies were discovered. Their remains have since been transferred to a mortuary for preservation and further examination. The case is under investigation by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
In a separate incident, four suspects have been arrested for the alleged murder of a local chief, identified as Chief Saturday, in the Ajife community of the Ovia South-West Local Government Area. The suspects—Daniel Babatunde, Abraham Mumini, David Michael, and Godwin Moses—were taken into custody by Marine Police on September 2, 2026.
Ikoedem confirmed the suspects are currently being held at the Homicide Unit for further inquiry.
Additionally, four individuals were arrested in connection with the death of a driver in the Aduwawa area of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area. The suspects—Idugie Emmanuel, Odion Bondilum, Sunday Afeaya, and Osazee Friday—were involved in a minor vehicle accident at approximately 10:45 p.m. on September 2, 2026.
Following the accident, an argument broke out between the drivers, leading Emmanuel to allegedly summon his associates to the scene. Upon their arrival, an altercation ensued, during which the other driver was assaulted and left unconscious. The victim was subsequently transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Ikoedem noted that the deceased’s remains have also been sent to the mortuary for preservation and autopsy. Efforts are ongoing to identify the victim and notify his family, while preliminary investigations into the incident continue.
