The deposed traditional priest (Ohen) of Okhuoromi community in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Ovbokhan Igbinovia, 43, was on Saturday arrested by the police in possession of arms, ammunition, and a suspected human skull.
Igbinovia, who was removed from his position last Thursday by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, over allegations of abominable practices including land-grabbing and extortion, was apprehended alongside four others: Osarodion Omoregie (41), Charles Otasowei (55), Edwin Igbinovia (45), and Osagie Igbinovia (44).
Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, said the arrests were made during a sting operation carried out by the Command’s Intelligence and Rapid Response Squad, in collaboration with the Anti-Kidnapping Squad.
Recovered items from Igbinovia’s premises included two AK-47 rifles (with breach numbers TH4782 and 6683), two locally made single-barrel shotguns, three empty AK-47 magazines, one OFM magazine, 11 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and a suspected human skull.
Yamu said the investigation is ongoing, with efforts underway to recover additional weapons and apprehend fleeing gang members. Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, assured residents that the command remains committed to eliminating all forms of criminality in the state.
Oba Ewuare II dethroned Igbinovia following complaints of unauthorised demolition of private property and violations of Benin customs.
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The Obazelu of Benin, Chief Osaro Idah, conveyed the Oba’s decision to Okhuoromi elders, handing over the administration of the community to the Odionwere, Pa Oghagbon Edosomwan.
During a palace meeting attended by Chiefs Isaac Oyeoba and Uyi Okungbowa, the Obazelu warned that anyone defying the Oba’s directive would face both legal and traditional consequences. The monarch also distanced the throne from acts of lawlessness and pledged that justice would be served to the victims of the deposed priest’s actions.
The eminent traditional ruler disclosed that the palace’s chiefs had been assigned to further investigate and assess the level of damage in Okhuoromi and urged individuals with claims regarding the issues at stake to channel their complaints, with pictorial and video evidence, to the appropriate authorities.