Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Carmen Diego
A 25-year-old laborer has been arrested in Edo State for allegedly killing his 18-year-old cousin in what authorities describe as a premeditated act rooted in unresolved grievances dating back to 2025.
The suspect, identified as Ibrahim Oseni, is accused of murdering Hassan Suleiman on February 19, 2026, in Evbuoarue community, Orhionmwon Local Government Area. Both men are originally from Katsina State but had reportedly relocated to Edo in search of employment opportunities.
According to officials of the Edo State Security Corps, Oseni allegedly admitted to the killing following his arrest. The Deputy Commander of Operations of the Corps, Richard Balogun, confirmed that the suspect has since been transferred to the Ugo Divisional Police headquarters for further investigation and prosecution.
Authorities said the killing stemmed from an earlier disagreement between the two cousins in their hometown in Katsina State in 2025. Although the dispute was reportedly settled at the time and the pair later traveled together to Benin City to work, investigators believe lingering resentment may have motivated the attack.
On the day of the incident, Oseni allegedly asked Suleiman to transport him on a motorcycle to a farm road in Evbuoarue under the pretext of gathering herbs to treat a stomach ailment. Police say the victim agreed without suspicion, unaware of the alleged intent behind the request.
Investigators allege that upon reaching a secluded section of the farm road, the suspect attacked his cousin with a cutlass, killing him at the scene. After the assault, Oseni reportedly took the victim’s mobile phone and ₦36,000 in cash before fleeing the area.
Friends of the deceased later reported him missing when he failed to return. The search reportedly intensified after Oseni allegedly informed members of the community about Suleiman’s death and led them to the location where the body was found. Security officials said this unusual conduct raised suspicions and prompted further questioning.
Balogun disclosed that operatives from the Evbuoarue unit of the Igbae Sector Command apprehended the suspect following the report of the murder. During a search of his residence, officers recovered the cutlass believed to have been used in the killing, which was reportedly hidden beneath a mattress. The victim’s mobile phone was also found concealed elsewhere in the room.
Authorities further alleged that part of the stolen cash had been electronically transferred to members of the suspect’s family in Katsina State, a detail that investigators are examining as part of the broader inquiry into motive and post-crime conduct.
The Edo State Security Corps condemned the act, describing it as a grave breach of both criminal law and communal trust. Officials emphasized that the matter is now under the jurisdiction of the police for comprehensive investigation, including forensic assessment of the recovered weapon and digital analysis of financial transactions linked to the suspect.
Legal experts note that charges in such cases typically include murder, armed robbery and related offences under Nigeria’s criminal statutes, depending on prosecutorial findings. If convicted, the suspect could face severe penalties under applicable law.
Community leaders in Orhionmwon have expressed shock at the incident, particularly given the familial relationship between the suspect and the victim. Residents described Suleiman as a young man who had recently relocated in hopes of building a stable livelihood, underscoring the tragedy of his death.
Security agencies in Edo State have in recent months increased patrols and intelligence gathering in rural communities to address violent crime and improve response times to distress calls. The swift apprehension of the suspect, officials say, reflects ongoing collaboration between sector commands and local residents.
The police have urged members of the public to report suspicious behavior promptly and to avoid shielding individuals suspected of criminal activity. Authorities also reiterated that disputes, regardless of their origin, must be resolved through lawful means rather than retaliatory violence.
As investigations continue, the case has drawn attention to the broader issue of interpersonal conflicts that escalate into fatal outcomes, particularly among young adults navigating economic pressures and migration. Law enforcement officials maintain that accountability will follow due process and that justice for the victim remains the priority.
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