The Edo State Police Command has arrested 13 suspects in connection with the brutal mob killing of a 23-year-old man, identified as Chigozie Ifeonu, in the Ogheghe community along Upper Siluko Road, Egor Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, which occurred on October 28, 2025, sparked outrage and tension in the area after it was discovered that the deceased had been wrongly accused of theft.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Thursday in Benin City. She said the suspects were being held for their alleged involvement in the mob attack that led to the death of the young man.
“Thirteen suspects have been arrested in connection with the stabbing to death of one Chigozie Ifeonu, aged 23,” Ikoedem said. “The deceased was stabbed in the chest during the disturbance and was immediately rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.”
She added that normalcy had since been restored to the community following swift intervention by police operatives.
According to eyewitnesses, the tragic incident began when a motorcycle rider raised a false alarm, accusing Chigozie of attempting to steal his motorcycle.
Further investigation revealed that the allegation was untrue. Chigozie had reportedly purchased the motorcycle for the rider under a commercial agreement, where the rider was to remit a fixed amount weekly from his earnings.
However, the rider allegedly absconded with the motorcycle for two months without making any payments or returning it.
On the day of the incident, Chigozie, who was driving his GLK Benz, spotted the rider around the Hausa quarters in Ogheghe and decided to confront him.
A community source said that instead of resolving the matter, the rider shouted that Chigozie was a thief trying to snatch his motorcycle.
“When he raised the alarm, some youths in the area quickly gathered and started beating Chigozie,” the source said. “Before anyone could clarify the situation, they stabbed him in the chest, and he died shortly after.”
The source added that the killing sparked outrage and retaliation from locals, leading to brief unrest in the community before police arrived to restore order.
Residents of Ogheghe described the incident as unfortunate and preventable. They expressed sadness that young men could take the law into their own hands without verifying the facts.
A trader in the area, who gave her name as Mrs. Rose Omoregie, said mob actions had become too common in parts of Benin City, often resulting in the deaths of innocent people.
“This is not the first time something like this is happening,” she said. “People now react without asking questions. It’s sad that a young man lost his life because of a lie.”
Another resident appealed to the police to ensure that those responsible for the killing face justice, warning that failure to do so might embolden others to commit similar acts.
The Edo State Police Command has condemned the incident, describing it as a case of jungle justice that could have been avoided through proper law enforcement procedures.
The command’s spokesperson, Ikoedem, warned residents against taking laws into their own hands, stressing that such actions are criminal and punishable under Nigerian law.
“The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Funsho Adegboye, has directed that all suspects involved in the mob killing be thoroughly investigated and charged to court,” she stated. “We urge citizens to report suspected crimes to the nearest police station rather than resorting to mob action.”
She further assured residents that the police would continue to work to maintain peace and prevent further unrest in the area.
Cases of mob killings, also known as jungle justice, have been on the rise in parts of southern Nigeria. Victims are often accused of theft or kidnapping without evidence and attacked before law enforcement can intervene.
Chigozie’s death has reignited public debate about the need for better public awareness on due process and stronger community policing mechanisms.
The police said all 13 suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
“No one has the right to take another person’s life,” Ikoedem said. “We must all join hands to end this dangerous culture of mob justice.”
