A 31-year-old man, Joshua Osaigbovo, has been arrested by the Edo State Police Command for allegedly killing his girlfriend, Osato Festus Edogiaweria, and secretly burying her in a shallow grave near his home.
According to the police, the tragic incident happened in April 2025 when 21-year-old Osato paid a visit to Osaigbovo for the first time at his residence in Iyanomon community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.
Osato was declared missing by her mother, Mrs. Ojo, who filed a report at the Aduwawa Police Division on April 25. After nearly two months of investigation, operatives from the Family Unit tracked down and arrested the suspect on June 18, 2025.
Police spokesperson Moses Joel Yamu said Osaigbovo confessed during interrogation that an argument broke out between him and the victim. In the heat of the fight, Osato fell and hit her head on the ground, leading to her death.
Rather than reporting the incident, Osaigbovo said he used a wheelbarrow to carry her body into a nearby bush, where he buried her in a shallow grave.
On June 20, police officers, led by the suspect, visited the location and exhumed the decomposed remains of Osato after following legal and medical procedures.
The suspect remains in custody and is expected to be charged to court soon.
The Edo State Police Command has assured the public that justice will be served and urged citizens to report any suspicious activity in their communities.
