The Police Command has arrested Adamu Usman, an 18-year-old from Kano State, for stealing artefacts worth N500 million from the residence of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.
Usman, along with his accomplice, was among the suspects paraded at the police headquarters in Benin City on September 4, 2024.
According to the police spokesperson, SP Moses Joel Yamu, the arrest was made after surveillance and investigations following reports of artefact theft from Chief Igbinedion’s residence located at Okada Avenue, GRA Benin City. Usman was caught red-handed on July 23, 2024, while attempting to steal more artefacts.
During interrogation, Usman confessed that he had been tricked by an accomplice, now on the run, to participate in the theft. He revealed that he was unaware of the plan until he was already inside the property. According to Usman, he became confused and was unable to escape due to a supernatural force (juju) that rendered him helpless until security personnel apprehended him. His arrest also led to the capture of another suspect, Etuk Bassey, 36, who was allegedly responsible for transporting the stolen goods.
Both suspects have confessed to the crime, and the police are actively pursuing other suspects involved in the high-profile heist. The incident has raised concerns about the security of cultural heritage artefacts, especially those belonging to prominent figures like Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.
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The police remain committed to tracking down the remaining criminals and ensuring that justice is served.
This case highlights the growing issue of artefact theft in Nigeria, where cultural and historical items are often targeted for their immense value.
The Esama of Benin, a revered figure in the Benin Kingdom, has long been a custodian of valuable cultural heritage, and this theft underscores the need for heightened security around such treasures.
