The Edo State Police Command has apprehended a 22-year-old suspect during a targeted operation at a hotel in Benin City, aimed at clamping down on criminal activities in the state.
Spokesperson of the command, SP Moses Yamu, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday, adding that the raid was carried out following credible intelligence.
“Operatives of the Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Unit, attached to the State Criminal Investigations Department, stormed Kendrona Hotel located off Country Home Road in Benin-City on May 13, 2025,” Yamu said.
According to him, the suspect identified as Endurance Oviojie was arrested at the scene, while four other suspects—Clinton, Jeff, Mike, and Emmanuel (alias Slim Khalifa)—escaped by scaling the hotel fence into nearby compounds. Their surnames were yet to be ascertained at the time of filing this report.
“During the operation, we recovered an English-made Beretta pistol, a locally fabricated pistol, 18 live cartridges, one round of ammunition, charms, illicit drugs, and several mobile devices,” he stated.
He further revealed that continued investigation led to the recovery of four Mercedes-Benz vehicles suspected to be linked to criminal activities.
Yamu confirmed that the arrested suspect has been arraigned, while efforts to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang are ongoing.
Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, issued a stern warning to criminals operating in the state, urging them to relocate or face the consequences.
“We will not relent until Edo State becomes unsafe for all forms of criminality. Our officers remain on high alert to protect law-abiding citizens,” the Commissioner stated.
The police reassured the public of their continued commitment to ridding the state of armed robbery, cultism, and kidnapping.
