The Edo State Police Command has arrested several suspects in connection with murder, sexual offences, armed robbery and cult-related activities, recovering 350 rounds of ammunition, substances suspected to be cannabis and a stolen motorcycle in separate operations across the State.
Commissioner of Police Patrick Daaor disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing in Benin City, where he announced the arrest of four suspects allegedly linked to the robbery of Paparazzi Communication Complex in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area, in which properties worth more than N400 million were reportedly stolen.
Daaor said the robbery occurred on July 12, 2026, during which the security guard on duty was murdered. The suspects include 34-year-old Hamisu Nuhu, whom the police identified as the alleged mastermind, alongside Suleiman Rabiu, Hussaini Gago and Ibrahim Haruna.
In a separate operation on October 20, Police operatives conducting stop-and-search duties along the Benin-Lagos Road intercepted a Toyota Ultra bus belonging to GUO Transport Company and recovered 100 rounds of 7.62mm-calibre ammunition for AK-47 rifles, 50 rounds of 7.65mm-calibre ammunition and 200 rounds of 9mm-calibre ammunition.
Three bags containing substances suspected to be cannabis were also recovered from the vehicle. The driver, Godwin Emeka, 37, and the transport company’s operational manager, Enearu Louis, 40, were arrested in connection with the discovery.
The Police commissioner also disclosed that two suspects had been arrested in connection with separate murder cases, including the alleged killing of a woman whose corpse was reportedly dumped by the roadside after one of her breasts was severed. He said investigations were ongoing and the suspects would be charged to court upon their conclusion.
On sexual offences, Daaor said three suspects were in custody over alleged sexual assault and defilement 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.
The Command also arrested four suspected members of the Eiye confraternity following an alleged attempt by a group of about 20 men on motorcycles to attack operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit along Upper Siluko Road, Benin City, on October 17.
The suspects were identified as Kevwe Kokori, 30; Omoregbe Iguma, 38; Gabriel Kokori, 32; and Emmanuel Friday, 39. According to the police, the group allegedly returned with dangerous weapons after an earlier encounter with operatives, damaging the windscreen of a police vehicle before four suspects were arrested. Efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the group.
In another operation on October 2, Police arrested Chidiebere Osazee at an uncompleted building near AY Junction in Ulegun community, along the Benin-Abraka Road, and recovered a locally made, shortened single-barrel gun. The suspect allegedly confessed to belonging to the Eiye confraternity, while efforts continued to arrest other members.
Daaor said the suspects allegedly specialised in dispossessing motorcycle riders of their motorcycles around Amagba, Ugbor and the Government Reservation Area in Benin City. A motorcycle reportedly stolen during one of the operations was recovered.
Daaor urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with the police and promptly report suspicious activities, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Edo State.