The Edo State Police Command has arraigned a 64-year-old man, Mr. Enabulele Sampson, for his inability to present a suspect for whom he stood as surety.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Benin City by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem.
According to the statement, Sampson had stood surety for one Ajayi Patrick, who is being investigated over allegations of bigamy.
The statement read, “March 12, 2026, the Aideyan Police Division received a complaint of alleged bigamy involving one Mr Ajayi Patrick, who was reported to be contracting a marriage at the Federal Marriage Registry on March 14, 2026, despite an existing marital union.
“Following a distress call received on the said date, police operatives were promptly mobilised to the venue by the DPO.
“Upon preliminary interview, the complainant, one Igho Joy of No. 156, Upper Mission Extension, was requested to provide documentary proof, particularly the marriage certificate of the alleged existing marriage, to substantiate the claim of bigamy.
“While the investigation was still trying to establish a prima facie case of bigamy, the suspect, Mr Ajayi Patrick, was granted bail with a reasonable surety in line with standard police procedure.
“The surety, one Mr Enabulele Sampson, aged 64 years, was given a clear instruction to produce the suspect at the station on March 17, 2026.
“However, the surety failed to honour the bail conditions as directed and therefore has been arrested.”
Police further revealed that ongoing investigations indicate the suspect fled Nigeria for Canada in an attempt to evade justice. As a result, the Command has contacted the International Police (INTERPOL) to assist in tracking and apprehending him.
The statement added that the surety is being brought before a competent court to explain why the bail bond should not be forfeited, having failed in his legal responsibility.
Meanwhile, the Command cleared the Divisional Police Officer of Aideyan Division, CSP Adesuwa Omoruyi, of any wrongdoing in the matter. This follows allegations by a group, Freedom Ambassadors Organisation, which accused the officer of corruption, conspiracy, and aiding the suspect’s escape.
Responding to the claims, Ikoedem described the allegations as unfounded and misleading, insisting they do not reflect the actual sequence of events.
“The Edo State Police Command emphasises that at no point did its officers act outside the ambit of the law. All actions taken were in strict compliance with established legal procedures and professional policing standards, as the offence of bigamy is bailable.
“The Command therefore urges members of the public to disregard the unfounded allegations and refrain from spreading misinformation capable of undermining public confidence in the Edo State Police command.
“The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, reassured the general public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the diligent prosecution of all cases brought before it,” the spokesperson said.
