An 18-year-old identified as Adamu Usman from Kano State has confessed to stealing an artifact worth N500 million from the residence of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom.
Usman, along with an accomplice, was paraded by the Edo State Police Command at the police headquarters in Benin City on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
Speaking about the incident, Usman claimed he was deceived by a man who led him to Chief Igbinedion’s residence. He explained that he was unaware they were there to steal artifacts until the crime was in progress. He also shared that after stealing the artifacts, he was “caught by juju” and could not escape.
“I was deceived by the man who took me there. He didn’t tell me we were going to steal. When we got to the house, he asked me to jump the fence. After I did, the security guards arrived, and the man ran away. I couldn’t move because I was confused, like I was caught by juju. It wasn’t until the security caught me that I regained consciousness,” Usman confessed.
The spokesperson for the Edo State Command, SP Moses Joel Yamu, confirmed the arrest of Usman after reports of theft from Chief Igbinedion’s residence.
“Following reports of stolen artifacts from the residence of the Esama of Benin, Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, at Okada Avenue, GRA Benin City, operatives on surveillance arrested Adamu Usman, 18, at around 1:30 a.m. on July 23, 2024, as he attempted to steal more artifacts,” Yamu explained.
The stolen artifacts are estimated to be worth around N500 million. Usman’s confession led to the arrest of a second suspect, 36-year-old Etuk Bassey, who allegedly acted as the driver transporting the stolen items.
“The suspects have confessed to the crime, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices who remain at large,” the police spokesperson added
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