The Edo State Police Command has arrested two suspects, including a pastor, over the gruesome murder of seven-year-old Evans Okojabhole, whose body was found mutilated in a bush near his home in Irrua, Edo Central.
According to the state police spokesperson, Moses Yamu, the suspects Pastor Ijebor Simon (45) and Destiny Okojabhole (23) were apprehended following investigations into the boy’s disappearance and subsequent brutal killing, which saw his stomach ripped open, feet severed, and fingers cut off.
“The remains of the boy were found 24 hours after he was reported missing,” the police statement read.
Evans’ father, John Okhojibole, had earlier reported the case to the authorities, leading to an urgent investigation that linked the arrested suspects to the crime.
Both suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) in Benin City for further interrogation.
Additionally, the Edo Police Command confirmed the arrest of three individuals, Ibrahim Agboje (King), Yakubu Abudulkareem, and Kareem Audu, in connection with the murder of a vigilante commander, Victor Ogedengbe, in Owan East Local Government Area.
“The command remains committed to ensuring the safety of Edo residents and urges the public to report any suspicious activities,” said CP Betty Enekpen Otimenyin.
