A 45-year-old ex-convict identified as Owen Osas has been arrested by operatives of the Edo State Security Corps, ESSC, for alleged armed robbery and possession of firearms.
DAILY POST reports that the suspect was in 2023 sentenced to prison for armed robbery, possession of illegal arms and involvement in criminal activities.
Following his release from prison, the suspect, who hailed from Urhonigbe in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, was again arrested on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Fish Pond Road in Eyaen, Benin City, by operatives of the security during a covert operation.
The Deputy Commander, Operations, of the ESSC, Richard Balogun, who confirmed the incident to newsmen in Benin City, said the suspect also confessed to being a member of Eiye Confraternity.
Balogun said immediately the suspect was released from prison, he bought a gun and returned to armed robbery.
He said the suspect ran out of luck when he was arrested by officers of the security corps after attacking a woman at gunpoint and dispossessing her of her belongings.
āOn Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Fish Pond Road in Eyaen in Benin City, the suspect attacked a woman at Eyaen in Benin City around 8 pm at gunpoint. He robbed the woman and another man of their money and mobile phones.
āA few minutes after the robbery operation, men of the Edo State Security Corps who were on a routine patrol intercepted the suspect. During the process, a cut-to-size gun was recovered.
āThe suspect, when questioned, admitted that he is a member of Eiye Confraternity and claimed that he had the firearm for protection.
āThe suspect has been handed over to the police for further investigation,ā he said.
Balogun assured members of the public that the Corps has intensified operations to curb armed robbery and cult-related activities across Edo State.
He also assured that the Corps will continue to collaborate with the police and other security agencies in the state.
Meanwhile, a victim who identified the suspect said the ex-convict had on the fateful day robbed her of her belongings at gunpoint.
The victim, however, commended operatives of the security corps for quickly apprehending the suspect.
Edo: 45-year-old ex-convict arrested for armed robbery, possession of firearm
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