Edo Security Corps Arrests Man for Beheading Cousin Over Unresolved Katsina Dispute
The Edo State Security Corps has apprehended a 25-year-old labourer, identified as Ibrahim Oseni, for the brutal murder of his 18-year-old cousin, Hassan Suleiman. This horrific incident stemmed from unresolved disputes that originated in their hometown in Katsina State last year.
Details of the Arrest and Confession
Richard Balogun, the Deputy Commander of Operations for the Edo State Security Corps, confirmed the arrest and stated that the suspect has confessed to the crime. According to Balogun, the murder occurred on February 19, 2026, in the Evbuoarue community, located within the Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State.
Operatives from the Evbuoarue unit of the Igbae Sector Command made the arrest following a distress report about a murder in a bush within the community. Balogun explained that the suspect allegedly committed this act in retaliation for a dispute he had with the deceased while both were in Katsina State in 2025.
The Tragic Sequence of Events
"They both resolved the issue and came to Benin city together for normal daily commercial activities, but unknown to the deceased, his cousin did not let the matter go," Balogun said. He detailed how, while in the Evbuoarue community where they performed menial jobs, the suspect asked the deceased to take him on a motorcycle to a farm road to collect herbs for a stomach upset.
The deceased, unaware that this would be his final journey, agreed. Upon reaching the farm road, the suspect immediately produced a cutlass and severed his cousin's head. He then took the victim's mobile phone and N36,000 in cash before fleeing to an unknown destination. The deceased was subsequently reported missing by his associates in Evbuoarue.
Evidence and Investigation Findings
Balogun alleged that the suspect transferred part of the stolen N36,000 to his family in Katsina. The cutlass used in the beheading was discovered hidden under the suspect's sleeping mat. Additionally, the phone of the deceased was recovered from where the suspect had concealed it.
It was further revealed that the suspect informed people in the community about the death of his cousin and even led them to the scene. However, this raised suspicions about how he possessed such detailed knowledge of the incident and location. These suspicions prompted community members to alert the Edo State Security Corps operatives, leading to his arrest.
Handover to Police for Further Action
The suspect has been handed over to the Ugo Divisional Police headquarters along with all recovered exhibits for further investigation and prosecution. This case highlights the severe consequences of unresolved personal conflicts and the vigilant efforts of local security forces in addressing such violent crimes.
