Katsina Man arrested in Edo over Cousin’s gruesome murder

By Jethro Ibileke

Operatives of the Edo State Security Corps have arrested a 25-year-old man, Ibrahim Oseni, for allegedly killing his 18-year-old cousin, Hassan Suleiman, in what authorities described as a revenge attack over an unresolved dispute.

The Deputy Commander (Operations) of the Corps, Richard Balogun, confirmed that the incident occurred on 19 February 2026 in Evbuoarue community, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State.

According to Balogun, the suspect allegedly carried out the act in retaliation for a disagreement the two had in their hometown in Katsina State in 2025.

He explained that although both young men reportedly reconciled and later travelled together to Benin City for daily commercial activities, the suspect had not truly let go of the grievance.

“They both resolved the issue and came to Benin city together for normal daily commercial activities, but unknown to the deceased, his cousin did not let the matter go out of his mind,” Balogun said.

The security chief disclosed that while residing in Evbuoarue community, where they engaged in menial jobs, Oseni allegedly lured his cousin to a remote farm road under the pretext of sourcing herbs for a stomach ailment.

“While at the Evbuoarue community, the village where they both do menial jobs, the suspect asked the deceased to take him to a farm road with his motorcycle to get some herbs for his stomach upset.

“The deceased who never knew that would be his last on earth embarked on the journey. On getting to the farm road, the suspect immediately brought out a cutlass and cut off his head.

“He immediately collected his mobile phone, the sum of ₦36,000 cash and then escaped to an unknown destination while the deceased was declared missing by his associates in Evbuoarue,” Balogun said.

Authorities further revealed that part of the ₦36,000 allegedly taken from the victim was transferred to the suspect’s family in Katsina State.

Suspicion reportedly grew after the suspect informed members of the community about the death and led them to the scene of the incident, raising questions about how he obtained such detailed knowledge.

Community members subsequently alerted operatives of the Edo State Security Corps, who arrested him.

Balogun said the cutlass allegedly used in the killing was recovered from beneath the suspect’s sleeping mat, while the deceased’s mobile phone was found hidden at another location.

The suspect has since been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force in Benin City for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Security authorities have assured residents of Evbuoarue community that justice will be pursued, while urging members of the public to report suspicious activities promptly to law enforcement agencies.