Shocking Crime Unfolds in Obagie Community
A gruesome case of kidnapping and suspected ritual murder has shaken the Obagie Community in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, leading to the arrest of three suspects, including the victim's own cousin.
The primary suspect, 18-year-old Tega Emajuwa, is accused of orchestrating the kidnapping and killing of his 12-year-old cousin, Emiliano Egwunbare. The tragic incident was carried out on September 16, 2025, after Emajuwa had lived with the victim's family for several months, a detail that has added to the community's sense of betrayal.
Kidnapping, Ransom, and a Grisly Discovery
According to police reports, Emajuwa and two accomplices—Edugie Destiny, aged 20, and Osayande Vincent, aged 23—allegedly kidnapped young Emiliano and proceeded to demand a ransom from his parents.
Despite the payment being made, the suspects failed to release the boy. It was after the payment that police became involved, using intelligence to track down and arrest Emajuwa.
A police source confirmed that Emajuwa confessed to the crime one week after his arrest. The confessions from all three suspects were crucial, as they led investigators to a well in Obagie Community where Emiliano's body had been dumped. Tragically, reports indicate that some of the boy's vital organs had been harvested.
Police Deny Release of Suspects, Confirm Court Proceedings
In the wake of the discovery, a viral video surfaced on social media in which the mother of the deceased alleged that the suspects had been released from police custody.
However, the Deputy spokesman of the Edo Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, has categorically denied these claims. She confirmed that the case was first reported at the Ogida Police Division before being transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Unit in Benin for a more discreet investigation.
"The Edo State Police Command wishes to categorically state that this claim is false, misleading, and unfounded," Ikoedem stated. "The suspects remained in lawful custody until they were charged in court on 16th October 2025... and have all been remanded for prosecution." She also noted that the deceased's mother was present during the court proceedings.
The body of Emiliano Egwunbare was recovered and has been deposited at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) mortuary for an autopsy as the investigation continues.
