Edo Police Nab Two Suspects In $500 Million Gabriel Igbinedion Artifact Theft

The Edo State Police Command has apprehended two individuals suspected of stealing artifacts valued at N500 million from the residence of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom.

According to DAILY POST, SP Moses Joel Yamu, the Public Relations Officer for the Command, announced the arrests on Wednesday while presenting the suspects and others detained for various crimes in the state.

The suspects have been identified as Adamu Usman, 18, and Etuk Bassey, 36. Yamu revealed that Usman was caught on July 23, 2024, while attempting to steal artifacts.

Following reports of the theft from the Esama of Benin’s residence on Okada Avenue, GRA Benin City, police operatives conducted surveillance around the area and apprehended Usman at approximately 1:30 AM on July 23. Usman’s confession led to the arrest of Bassey, who is reportedly the driver responsible for transporting the stolen artifacts.

The total value of the stolen artifacts is estimated at N500 million. The suspects have confessed to their involvement in the crime, and efforts are underway to track and apprehend additional suspects who are still at large.

In related news, Eze Ohna Sergeant Chidi Awuse, a prominent traditional ruler in Rivers State, has expressed his discontent with Governor Siminialayi Fubara, claiming that he was in a coma when Fubara removed him from his position.