Edo Police Apprehend Suspect in Girlfriend's Alleged Murder Case
The Edo State Police Command has made a significant arrest in connection with a tragic incident of alleged homicide. Authorities have taken into custody a 42-year-old commercial bus driver, Osabuohen Igerevba, who stands accused of killing his 32-year-old girlfriend, Joy Jerome, in Benin City.
Police Briefing Reveals Disturbing Details
ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Public Relations Officer for the command, provided journalists with a detailed account during a briefing held in Benin on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The case first came to the attention of law enforcement on January 10, when the Chief Priest of the Ikpe community reported the discovery of a deceased female body near a river along a roadside.
Officers from the Idogbo Police Division responded swiftly to the report. They recovered the body and transported it to a medical facility, where doctors confirmed the woman had passed away. The remains were subsequently placed at the Stella Obasanjo mortuary for preservation and further examination.
Investigation Leads to Arrest and Confession
Through diligent police work, investigators identified the victim as Joy Jerome, a resident of Upper Sakponba Road in Benin City. This identification directly led to the arrest of Igerevba, who lives in the same vicinity. Police determined that the suspect and the deceased were involved in a romantic relationship.
The incident is believed to have occurred on the night of January 9. According to police accounts, Igerevba allegedly picked up Jerome that evening. During their journey to his residence, a heated argument erupted. The suspect reportedly accused the woman of infidelity, expressing frustration that he had been unable to contact her for approximately two days.
The confrontation escalated dramatically when Igerevba stopped the vehicle and physically assaulted Jerome. The victim became unresponsive and was rushed to a hospital, where medical personnel pronounced her dead upon arrival. In a state of panic, the suspect allegedly transported her body to a riverside community and abandoned it there, where it was discovered the following day.
Following his arrest, Igerevba has reportedly confessed to the crime, providing authorities with a detailed account of the events that led to Jerome's death.
Police Issue Public Safety Advisory
ASP Ikoedem used the opportunity to address the public, particularly young women, urging them to exercise extreme caution in their personal relationships. "We urge people to be vigilant and avoid abusive relationships. It is important to stay away from confrontations in isolated places or with individuals who exhibit violent tendencies," she emphasized.
The police spokesperson also encouraged the prompt reporting of domestic violence and relationship conflicts to law enforcement agencies. She stressed that early intervention could potentially prevent tragic outcomes like this one. "Domestic violence should never be overlooked. Timely reporting can save lives," Ikoedem added.
Parents and guardians were equally urged to guide young people on peaceful methods of resolving disputes and to recognize the warning signs of potentially dangerous relationships.
