The Edo State Police Command has arrested a local vigilante member in Benin City for allegedly killing an artisan, Lasan Osaze Erhabor, and setting his body on fire.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed the arrest on Sunday, stating that the suspect was caught after a distress call was received from the public on the morning of Thursday, February 20, 2025.
Yamu said, “The Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Textile Mill Road Division got a distress call at about 8 a.m. from people who saw a burning corpse covered with sawdust.”
According to him, officers were immediately sent to the scene, where they found the lifeless body of a middle-aged man, burning under sawdust.
“The body was taken to the hospital, where it was discovered that the deceased had a gunshot wound on the back of his neck,” Yamu added.
He revealed that investigations have begun, and one suspect, the security guard at the sawmill, is currently in police custody.
“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation. Once completed, the suspect will be charged to court for murder,” Yamu said.
Reports gathered show that the deceased, Erhabor, had a disagreement with the vigilante member before the tragic event.
Eyewitnesses said Erhabor was returning home late at night with a friend when the suspect stopped them near the sawmill.
The suspect, who was allegedly armed with a double-barrel gun, questioned Erhabor about why he was out so late and accused him of attempting to steal from the sawmill.
During the argument, the vigilante reportedly shot Erhabor, dragged his body into the sawmill, and set it ablaze using sawdust.
The police have assured the public that justice will be served, urging residents to remain calm as investigations continue.
