An 18-year-old teenager in Edo State has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping and killing his 12-year-old cousin in a ritual murder. The boy was held for ransom but never released, with his body later found in a well and vital organs harvested. Police have denied claims that the suspects were freed and confirmed they are in custody awaiting prosecution.
In Obagie Community, Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, a tragic incident unfolded on September 16, 2025, when 18-year-old Tega Emajuwa allegedly kidnapped his 12-year-old cousin, Emiliano Egwunbare. Emajuwa, who had been staying with the boy's parents for several months, carried out the act with two accomplices, 20-year-old Edugie Destiny and 23-year-old Osayande Vincent. The trio collected ransom from the family but failed to release the victim.
Police became involved after the ransom payment. Through intelligence efforts, Emajuwa was tracked and arrested, confessing to the crime a week later. His confession led to the arrests of Destiny and Vincent. The suspects revealed they had dumped Emiliano's body in a well in Obagie Community, where vital organs had reportedly been harvested.
The case was first reported at Ogida Police Division and transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Unit in Benin for investigation. The body was recovered, evacuated, and deposited at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital mortuary for autopsy.
Deputy spokesman of the Edo Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the arrests and the suspects' confessional statements. She addressed a viral social media video in which the victim's mother alleged the suspects had been released from custody. 'The Edo State Police Command wishes to categorically state that this claim is false, misleading, and unfounded,' Ikoedem said. The suspects were charged in court on October 16, 2025, and remanded for prosecution, with the mother present during the proceedings.