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Tag: Edo State

  • Woman kidnaps self, collects N5m from husband

    Woman kidnaps self, collects N5m from husband

    A 27-year old woman, Chioma Success Ezebie, has been arrested by operatives of the Edo Police Command for kidnapping herself and collecting N5m ransom from her husband.

    Chioma had abducted herself and three-year- old son on October 27th, 2025 and made one Martins Chidozie, aged 23, called her husband that they have been kidnapped.

    Her husband, Paul Adaniken, reported to the Police and the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched a full-scale cyber analysis and intelligence-led operations that led to the victim’s cousin, Osita Godfrey, aged 33.

    Police said Godfrey, believed to be assisting with information, was found to be complicit in the crime. 

    Edo Deputy spokesman, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said Osita’s confessional statement led to the arrest of the Chioma.

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    Ikoedem said Chioma was discovered to have conspired with accomplices to stage her abduction in order to extort money from her husband.

    “All suspects have made useful confessional statements, ransom of Five Million Naira (N5,000,000) recovered and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and onward prosecution.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, has commended the officers of the New Etete Division for their swift and tactical response, which led to the unraveling of this deceitful act. 

    “He also warns residents to desist from acts capable of undermining public peace while emphasizing that the Command will continue to deploy intelligence and technology-driven strategies to combat crime in all forms.”

  • 15 passengers kidnapped in Edo

    15 passengers kidnapped in Edo

    Gunmen believed to be kidnappers have abducted 15 passengers between Obarenren Community and Idunwongie Community along the Benin–Akure highway.

    The passengers were travelling in a14-seater Hummer Bus marked KJA 119 XF.

    All the 15 passengers were taken into the bush by the kidnappers.

    But Deputy spokesman for the Edo Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said eight of the passengers, including three children have been rescued unhurt.

    Ikoedem said policemen from Ekiadolor Division were swiftly deployed to the scene.

    She said the operatives pursued the kidnappers into the forest and successfully rescued eight victims, including three children, adding that the operatives were still in the bush to rescue the remaining eight passengers.

    “However, seven other passengers are still unaccounted for as efforts are intensely ongoing to locate and rescue them. 

    Read Also: Drug barons attack NDLEA officers, soldiers in Edo

    “An aggressive manhunt for the perpetrators is currently in progress, with a full complement of technological support to ensure the safe return of the remaining victims while the driver of the vehicle is assisting the police with investigation. 

    “The Edo State Police Command assures the public that no effort will be spared in ensuring the safety of all residents and commuters within the State. Members of the public are encouraged to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police formation.

    “Anyone with useful information is encouraged to kindly contact our emergency Control Room Numbers 

    08077773721, 08037646272,” he said. 

  • Edo gives estate developers two weeks to register or face sanctions

    Edo gives estate developers two weeks to register or face sanctions

    The Edo State Government has warned that it will sanction any estate developer operating in the state who fails to register and obtain formal approval for their estate layout plans.

    According to the government, the registration exercise is part of its ambitious urban renewal drive under “Project Shine” and the 30-Year Benin City Master Plan.

    In a statement, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development, Arc. Kate Isokpunwu, said estate developers have a two-week deadline to comply or face strict enforcement actions.

    The directive, the statement added, follows a recent stakeholders’ engagement where the government stressed the need for compliance, sustainable development, and orderly urban growth.

    Developers were urged to visit the Ministry promptly to complete the necessary registration and approval processes to avoid sanctions.

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    It reads in parts, “All estate layouts must be duly documented and regularized with the Ministry to align with the state’s long-term spatial and environmental objectives,” the statement said.

    “From October 2025, the Ministry will begin a comprehensive enforcement operation targeting illegal developments, especially those encroaching on government-designated forest reserves and protected areas.

    The statement further added that “Unapproved estate layouts will be sealed off, and violators prosecuted under existing laws.

    “This measure is not punitive but corrective. It is designed to ensure that development in Edo State remains sustainable, orderly, and consistent with our collective vision for a modern, well-planned city.”

  • Edo State laments loss of revenue to Delta

    Edo State laments loss of revenue to Delta

    • Agency adopts TSA

    Executive Chairman of Edo Inland Revenue Services (EIRS), Mr. Oladele Bankole-Balogun, yesterday lamented continued loss of revenue to neighbouring Delta State.

    He said investigation showed many workers in Edo State paid their taxes to Delta State.

    The EIRS boss spoke at a stakeholders meeting on revenue collection challenges.

    He told ministries, departments and agencies that the agency had adopted a Treasury Single Account (TSA) to reduce leakages in tax collection in the state.

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    Bankole-Balogun said EIRS had made progressive revenue collection and stressed the need for stakeholders to worker together for increased revenue base.

    He identified TSA as a fundamental tool for boosting revenue.

    According to him, “it ensures government agency receipts, or all government receipts, flow through a transparent, centralised account for eliminating cash handling, reducing leakages, and, most importantly, improving accountability.

    “So going forward, we want to encourage that all revenue streams be remitted into the state IGR account with proper digital records and accountability.

    “Remember that revenue is not an end in itself. It’s just a means and means to better roads, stronger health systems, vibrant education, safer communities and dignity for the citizens of our state.”

    Bankole-Balogun said the state would key into the new national tax law.

    Managing Director of Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA), Stainless Ijeghede, wondered why the state was yet to take action on taxes paid to Delta State.

    “When I work in oil companies, at the end of the month, I still see in my pay slip, tax Delta. All my years there, I didn’t see tax Edo. What this means is that those people who work in Oben they pay tax to Delta State Government.”

    Edo Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, said he expected the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to visit the areas and stop the revenue loss.

    He said his ministry was proposing a Revenue Court Law that would create specific courts to try tax offenders.

    Osagie said: “There is the need for revenue court and revenue courts law, the whole idea is to ensure the entire gamut of our tax system is put together in a way that enforcement and prosecution of tax offenders are easy.

    “As I speak, we are proposing a draft, using our neighbouring Delta State as a model to have revenue courts law of Edo State so that all tax offenders will be sent to those courts and make trials fast and easy.”

  • Crisis brews in Edo LGAs as acting chairmen get impeached

    Crisis brews in Edo LGAs as acting chairmen get impeached

    Crisis is brewing across the 18 local government areas of Edo State following impeachment and alleged forcedul resignation Acting Chairmen.

    The impeachment and resignation of the acting chairmen came few hours after 63 elected Councillors were presented with Certificate of Return by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC)

    Those who got Certificate of Return at about 7am on Monday were elected in a by-election that took place last Saturday.

    Chairman of EDSIEC, Hon Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, who was represented by Hon (Dr) Ikhuoriah Solomon, urged the new Councillors to give proper representation to the people.

    He said, “The successful conduct of the 2025 by-election is not only a testament to the Commission’s efficiency but also a reaffirmation of the people’s trust in the democratic process. Today, as we celebrate the victors of that process, we are also reminded of the important roles they are stepping into to serve, to lead, and to bring meaningful development to their various wards.”

    It was gathered that Councillors from the various local government areas signed the various impeachment notices before heading to their various secretariats.

    To avoid possible impeachment, Acting Chairman of Esan West, Hon Godsent Agboibo, tendered his resignation letter.

    In the letter dated September 22 and addressed to the House Leader, Esan West Legislative Chamber, Agboibo said events of the last few days have made it imperative for him to tender the resignation.

    “As a loyal party man and committed supporter of our Governor His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, and a man of integrity and peace I hereby tender my resignation as Chairman with effect from 22nd September, 2025.

    “Thanks for your past support during my tenure. I look forward to supporting whoever comes on board.”

    In Estako East, the councillors reportedly signed impeachment notice for the removal of Hon Solomon Ogumah in Benin City on Sunday.

    Thugs were said to have taken over the local government secretariat in Okpella.

    A total of nine councillors impeached the Acting Chairman of Uhunmwode, Hon Osas Iradia Benjamin.

    According to the impeachment notice, 

    “We, the undersigned members of Uhunmwode Local Government Area Legislative Arm hereby impeach you as the acting Local Government Council Chairman with effect from today the 22nd Day of September, 2025.

    Read Also: Council chairmen enforce ban on illegal revenue collection in 18 Edo LGAs

    “This decision is as a result of your abuse of office, high headedness, embezzlements of Council funds, Anti-party activities, financial recklessness, forgery and constant disobedient to constituted authorities”

    Acting Chairman of Estako East, Solomon Oghuma, urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to stop the move saying it would cause chaos in the party.

    He said, “I was told that I should resign and that if I don’t resign, they will use the councilors to remove me.

    “I have enquired from the House of Assembly and they said they did not give any such directive and I know it is the house of assembly and the governor that have such powers.”

    A former Edo North Senatorial Youth leader of the APC, Dirisu Otinomo, warned that the development could lead to crisis in the APC.

    “The people of Etsako East are not happy because somebody who is not from Etsako East is not the one that will foist a chairman of the local government and if care is not taken, it could cause crisis in the council. I am calling on the peace loving governor of the state to stop this move.”

  • EDSIEC ignores court order, conducts by-election in 59 wards

    EDSIEC ignores court order, conducts by-election in 59 wards

    There were low turnout of voters in today’s by-election in 59 wards in 15 local government areas of Edo State.

    Only the All Progressives Congress(APC) participated in the by-election which other parties boycotted. 

    Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) conducted the by-elections despite a restraining order by an Edo High Court presided over by Justice Mary Itsueli.

    Justice Itsueli issued the order following a motion filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    The PDP had argued that tenure of elected councillors remained valid until September 2026 and that any attempt to declare the seats vacant or conduct elections would be illegal.

    Justice Itsueli held that the PDP presented sufficient grounds to warrant judicial intervention and granted the party leave to pursue judicial review and ordered that all further steps towards conducting the proposed bye-elections be suspended.

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    But EDSIEC ignored the court order and conducted the by-election.

    Few voters were seen in many pooling units visited even as there were delay in arrival of materials.

    At Asoro Primary School in Oredo Ward 9. journalists were assaulted after talking to voters present.

    But some thugs descended on the journalists and accused them of working for the opposition People Democratic Party ( PDP)

    Phones were seized by the thugs and all pictures about the election coverage were deleted.

  • Stop fuelling Edo–Delta boundary dispute, Okpebholo tells companies

    Stop fuelling Edo–Delta boundary dispute, Okpebholo tells companies

    Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has cautioned companies operating in the Edo and Delta states against fuelling boundary disputes between both states.

    Governor Okpebholo, who called on the federal government to intervene, said companies were exploiting lingering boundary disputes for their benefit.

    The Edo governor warned the companies to desist from encroaching on Edo territory, saying the matter was at the National Boundary Commission (NBC) for adjudication and adjustment.

    Okpebholo, who was represented by his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa, gave the warning during a fact-finding visit to the disputed areas.

    He was accompanied on the visit by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 5, Salman-Dogo Garba, and other top security officials.

    Okpebholo urged the affected communities to remain peaceful and law-abiding, adding that the dispute was being handled at the highest level of national authority.

    His visit followed recent reports of encroachment on Edo territory by the Delta State Government and companies attempting to establish operations on the disputed lands.

    “We are here at the boundary to see the disputed area and the actual demarcation. We are appealing to the Federal Government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the NBC steps in and expedites action so that this dispute is resolved once and for all.

    “This River Ethiope is a natural boundary. We don’t want a crisis in the South-South or between Edo and Delta States. We are brothers, having once been the Bendel State before Delta was created. We want peace, and we want the right thing done quickly.

    At Urhonigbe Community, Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Governor Okpebholo said his administration remained committed to safeguarding their interests and called for restraint.

    “Please don’t take the law into your hands. As a government, we will protect the territorial integrity of Edo State. But we must maintain peace and harmony with our neighbors while this matter is before the NBC.

    “We want to appeal, and equally send a strong warning, to companies in Delta State that are trying to encroach on our land. We don’t want any invasion pending the NBC resolution. All activities from these companies must stop immediately,” he warned.

    The disputed territory lies between Urhonigbe Community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, and Umutu Community in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State.

    Governor Okpebholo emphasised that while his administration was committed to defending Edo territorial claims, it would do so with fairness, peace, and respect for due process.

    Read Also: Okpebholo nominates four Commissioner-nominees

    “Our ultimate goal is to ensure justice, preserve harmony, and protect the integrity of our people and our State,” he affirmed.

    Commissioner-designate and former lawmaker, Etiosa Ogbeiwi, said the Delta Government brought equipment to occupy Edo land instead of waiting for the resolution of the NBC.

    “The boundary between Edo and Delta is clearly demarcated by the River Ethiop, but they crossed into Edo territory to establish farm settlements. Edo State has all the documentary evidence proving this land belongs to us.

    “During the reigns of Oba Akenzua I and II, homage and rent were paid to the state and the Oba of Benin. We do not want to take the law into our hands, which is why we called on the governor. We are glad the Deputy Governor and the AIG are here to see things for themselves,” Ogbeiwi said.

  • Two killed in Edo community leadership tussle

    Two killed in Edo community leadership tussle

    Two persons have been killed at Iyanomo community, Ikpoba-Okha local government area over a leadership tussle in the community.

    They were identified as Eboh Enomwa and Stephen Imaghodo.

    Governor Monday Okpebholo vowed to unravel the killers and prosecute them.

    He said a full-scale investigation has been launched

    Okpebholo spoke through the Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers” when the Government House Chief Security Officer (CSO), CSP Osaro Roberts, and the Principal Security Officer to the Governor, Okoh Saturday, visited the community.

    They said they were in the community to ascertain the true circumstances surrounding the killings.

    Addressing the community elders and youths, the Secretary of the Special Security Squad, Barr. John Izegaebe, said the Governor’s resolve to stamp out cultism, kidnapping, and communal clashes in the state would be accomplished.

    He said: “Our findings so far point to a leadership tussle between two rival factions in Iyanomo, which degenerated into violence and ultimately claimed the lives of two men. This is unacceptable. The Governor has directed us to ensure that all those involved in this heinous act are identified, arrested, and prosecuted. No one is above the law.

    “The government condoles with the families of the victims and assures them that justice will be served. At the same time, we are sending a very strong message to community leaders: disputes must be resolved legally, not through violence. Governor Okpebholo has zero tolerance for crime, and anyone who foments unrest in Edo communities will face the full wrath of the law.”

    The residents called on the State Government to beef up security in the area to forestall further bloodshed.

  • Blackout in parts of Benin enters two weeks

    Blackout in parts of Benin enters two weeks

    Blackout in parts of Benin City, Edo State capital, has entered the second week.

    Streetlights, government buildings, Edo NUJ secretariat and other subscribers to Ossiomo Power have been in darkness since September 1.

    The blackout was occasioned by the shutdown of Ossiomo Power plant in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government, due to ownership tussle between Ossiomo Power and its Chinese partners, Jiangsu Communication Clean Energy Technology (CCETC).

    Ossiomo Power Plant is a 95MW power firm that is gas-fired and was completed in 2020.

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    The ownership tussle began when CCETC attempted to take over ownership of the firm.

    Director General of Edo State Electrification Agency, Omozokpea Egbadon, said the state government had no knowledge or involvement in the decision to shut down Ossiomo Power Plant.

    He said plans were on for the state government to switch back to Benin Electricity Distribution PLC (BEDC).

    But management of Ossiomo Power said CCETC were not co-owners of the power firm, but its contractor engaged to execute a contract in 2018 for the supply and installation of engines for the Independent Power Project (IPP1).

    It said the contract does not transfer or confer ownership of any facility on the Chinese firm.

    Deputy General Manager, Francis Ekwe, an engineer, insisted that Ossiomo Power remained sole owner of the power generating plant, the transmission network, and associated gas infrastructure tied to the project at Ologbo, Edo State.

    Ekwe said Ossiomo Power held exclusive rights to the gas infrastructure and power facilities since 2008 and backed by statutory licences as well as approvals for power generation and transmission within Edo State.

    He noted that recent moves by CCETC to assert ownership might be aimed at influencing state authorities and creating uncertainty around the operations of Ossiomo Power.

    Ekwe warned that any attempt to sideline an indigenous operator in favour of a foreign contractor could undermine Nigeria’s local content policy and pose risks to energy security in Edo State.

    Officials of CCETC could not be reached for comments at press time.

  • We’ve rescued 16 out of 18 kidnapped victims -Edo Police

    We’ve rescued 16 out of 18 kidnapped victims -Edo Police

    Edo Police Command said it has rescued 16 out of 18 passengers abducted on Friday night along the Benin-Abuja highway.

    The victims were travelling to Abuja in an Edo line bus when they were abducted.

    Edo Police spokesman, SP Moses Iyamu, said the rescued victims have been debriefed.

    Read Also: Edo Police launch manhunt for kidnap-suspects

    He said rescue search has been intensified in collaboration with local vigilance group and hunters to ensure release of other passengers.