By Jethro Ibileke
In a dramatic raid that has rocked Edo State, operatives of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have dismantled a notorious employment scam syndicate, arresting 31 suspects in a covert operation in Benin.
The suspects were apprehended after a targeted assault on a building in First Bank Estate, Awesome Garden, located along the Benin-Sapele Bypass.
The operation, executed after receiving crucial intelligence on the syndicate’s illicit activities, was led by Brigade Commander, Brig-Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, who hailed the coordinated efforts of the troops and collaborating security agencies.
Captain Chinonso Oteh, the Brigade’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrest, revealing that the syndicate was involved in cybercrime, kidnapping, robbery, and various other criminal enterprises.
However, it was the false promise of employment that lured many unsuspecting victims into the trap.
Oteh disclosed that numerous individuals had been deceived by one Mr. Marvin Osabunye, who is currently on the run, with fake job offers. Tragically, many of the victims had been trapped in the compound for up to two years, confined and deprived of their freedom.
“Preliminary investigations reveal a chilling story—many victims were held against their will under the guise of employment,” Oteh said, adding that the suspects were reportedly involved in a range of illicit activities.
Among the items recovered from the scene were a Toyota vehicle, multiple smartphones, laptops, large sums of cash, and disturbing ritualistic materials, including a pot of shrine believed to be used for occult practices.
This breakthrough is seen as a major victory in the ongoing effort to cleanse Edo State of criminal activities. The suspects, along with all recovered items, have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.
“This is a critical step in our mission to eradicate criminality in Edo State. We will continue to push for the safety and security of our citizens,” Oteh concluded.
