Surety Arraigned as Bigamy Suspect Flees to Canada, Edo Police Seek INTERPOL Assistance

Surety Arraigned as Bigamy Suspect Flees to Canada, Edo Police Seek INTERPOL Assistance

Authorities in Nigeria’s Edo State have initiated legal proceedings against a 64-year-old man who stood as surety for a suspect accused of bigamy but failed to produce him for ongoing investigations after the suspect reportedly fled the country to Canada. The development has drawn attention to the legal responsibilities of sureties within Nigeria’s criminal justice system, as well as the challenges faced by law enforcement when suspects evade prosecution by leaving the country.

In a statement released on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Benin City, the Edo State Police Command confirmed that the surety, identified as Mr. Enabulele Sampson, had been arraigned before a competent court. According to the police, Sampson had guaranteed the appearance of one Mr. Ajayi Patrick, who is under investigation for alleged bigamy, but failed to fulfill the conditions of the bail agreement after the suspect absconded.

The case began earlier in March when the Aideyan Police Division received a report concerning an alleged act of bigamy involving Ajayi Patrick. The complaint indicated that the suspect was planning to enter into another marriage ceremony at the Federal Marriage Registry on March 14, 2026, despite allegedly being legally married to another woman. Acting on the information, police officers were promptly deployed to the scene by the Divisional Police Officer to assess the situation and initiate preliminary inquiries.

During the initial stages of the investigation, the complainant, identified as Igho Joy, was requested to provide documentary evidence to substantiate the claim. Police specifically sought the presentation of a valid marriage certificate from the alleged existing marriage to establish the basis of the bigamy accusation. Authorities emphasized that such documentation is critical in proving the existence of a prior legally recognized union, which is a necessary element in prosecuting bigamy under Nigerian law.

While the investigation was ongoing, Ajayi Patrick was granted bail in accordance with standard police procedures. Law enforcement officials noted that bigamy is categorized as a bailable offense, and therefore the suspect was eligible for conditional release pending further inquiry. As part of the bail arrangement, Mr. Enabulele Sampson agreed to act as a surety and undertook the responsibility of ensuring that the suspect would present himself to the police as required.

Under the terms of the bail agreement, Sampson was instructed to produce Ajayi Patrick at the police station on March 17, 2026. However, the surety failed to meet this obligation. Subsequent attempts by the police to secure the suspect’s appearance proved unsuccessful, prompting authorities to take action against the surety for breaching the conditions of the bond.

Further investigation by the police revealed that Ajayi Patrick had left Nigeria and traveled to Canada, allegedly in an attempt to evade the ongoing investigation. The revelation escalated the case, leading the Edo State Police Command to seek international assistance. Authorities confirmed that they have contacted the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to aid in locating and apprehending the suspect abroad.

Legal experts note that when a suspect granted bail absconds, the surety assumes significant legal risk. By standing as a surety, an individual effectively guarantees the compliance of the accused with all bail conditions. Failure to fulfill this obligation can result in legal consequences, including arrest, forfeiture of the bail bond, and prosecution. In this case, Sampson is being required to explain to the court why the bond he entered into should not be forfeited due to his inability to produce the suspect.

The police statement also addressed public allegations surrounding the circumstances of the suspect’s escape. A group identified as the Freedom Ambassadors Organisation had accused officers of the Aideyan Division of corruption and complicity, suggesting that the suspect may have been aided in fleeing the country. However, the Edo State Police Command strongly refuted these claims, describing them as false and misleading.

According to the police, there is no evidence to support allegations of misconduct or collusion by officers involved in the case. The Command emphasized that all procedures were followed in accordance with the law and that the granting of bail was consistent with established legal standards. Officials reiterated that the offense in question is not a capital crime and therefore does not warrant the denial of bail under normal circumstances.

Additionally, the police confirmed that the Divisional Police Officer of the Aideyan Division, CSP Adesuwa Omoruyi, has been cleared of any wrongdoing in connection with the case. Authorities stated that internal reviews found no indication of negligence or misconduct on her part, dismissing suggestions that the suspect’s escape was facilitated by law enforcement officials.

The Commissioner of Police for Edo State, Monday Agbonika, reassured the public of the Command’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. He emphasized that the police remain dedicated to ensuring that all individuals involved in criminal cases are held accountable, whether they are suspects, sureties, or any other parties connected to ongoing investigations.

Agbonika also urged members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could undermine confidence in law enforcement institutions. He noted that misinformation, particularly when amplified through social media and advocacy groups, can distort public perception and hinder the effective administration of justice.

The case highlights broader concerns about the enforcement of bail conditions and the challenges associated with cross-border criminal investigations. With increasing global mobility, suspects who flee jurisdictions pose significant obstacles to local law enforcement agencies, often necessitating international cooperation through organizations such as INTERPOL. While such mechanisms exist, the process of locating and extraditing suspects can be complex and time-consuming.

For now, the focus remains on legal proceedings against the surety, as the court determines whether the bail bond should be forfeited and whether additional penalties are warranted. Meanwhile, efforts continue to track down Ajayi Patrick and bring him back to Nigeria to face the allegations against him.

The Edo State Police Command has reiterated its determination to pursue the case to its logical conclusion, stressing that the integrity of the justice system depends on the accountability of all parties involved. As investigations proceed, authorities maintain that due process will be followed, and all actions will remain within the framework of the law.

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