BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the recently deposed Chief Priest (Ohen) of Okhoromi Community, Ovbokhan Igbinovia Kelvin, 43, in the Iyekogba axis of Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State of Nigeria
Alltimepost.com reported yesterday that operatives of the Edo State Police Command raided the home of the deposed Edo Chief Priest and arrested him, but at the time of the report the Police had not confirmed the operation.
According to a statement issued today by the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, the embattled Ohen was apprehended alongside Osarodion Omoregie, 41; Charles Otasowei, 55; Edwin Igbinovia, 45; and Osagie Igbinovia, 44, in a coordinated sting operation on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
CSP Yamu explained that the operation, carried out by the Command Intelligence and Rapid Response Squad in collaboration with the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, led to the recovery of dangerous weapons and a skull believed to be of human origin from the residence of the former Chief Priest.
Other items recovered during the operation include two AK-47 rifles, two locally made single-barrel shotguns, three empty AK-47 magazines, one OFM magazine, and eleven rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
He noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, has assured the public that investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to recover additional weapons and apprehend fleeing members of the syndicate.
The statement reads: “The Edo State Command, in a sting operation carried out by operatives of the Command Intelligence and Rapid Response Squad alongside the Anti-Kidnapping Squad on 17/05/2025, arrested the recently dethroned Ohen of Okhoromi, one Ovbokhan Igbinovia Kelvin, 43; Osarodion Omoregie, 41; Charles Otasowei, 55; Edwin Igbinovia, 45; and Osagie Igbinovia, 44.
“The following exhibits were recovered from the premises of Ovbokhan Igbinovia Kelvin: two (2) AK-47 rifles with breach numbers TH4782 and 6683 respectively, two (2) locally made single-barrel shotguns, three (3) empty AK-47 magazines, one (1) OFM magazine, eleven (11) rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and a suspected human skull,” the statement reads in part.
It would be recalled that the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, had about a few days ago deposed Ovbokhan Igbinovia as the Ohen of Okhoromi Community following public outcry over allegations of land grabbing, extortion, and the demolition of properties.
The Benin Palace, after reviewing the allegations, stated that the former Ohen acted in gross violation of Benin traditions and customs, leading to his immediate removal.
Comment here
You must be logged in to post a comment.