The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 13 suspects in connection with the mob killing of popular businessman Chigozie Ifeonu, widely known as Chiboy or Chi Benz, in the Ogheghe community along Upper Siluko Road, Egor Local Government Area, Edo State.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, the violent incident occurred on October 28, 2025, at about 4:45 p.m., resulting in the death of the 23-year-old entrepreneur.
Ikoedem explained that the deceased was stabbed in the chest during a mob attack that followed a false alarm raised by a commercial motorcyclist, who accused him of attempting to steal a motorcycle.
“The 23-year-old young man was stabbed in the chest during the disturbance. He was immediately rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for medical attention, where he was unfortunately confirmed dead by a medical doctor,”
the police spokesperson said.
She added that 13 suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the killing, and that normalcy has been restored to the affected area following swift police intervention.
How the Incident Started
Investigations revealed that Chiboy had earlier purchased a motorcycle for the accused rider under a hire-purchase arrangement, with an agreement for weekly remittances until full ownership was achieved.
However, the rider allegedly absconded with the motorcycle for over two months, breaching the agreement.
On the day of the incident, Chiboy reportedly sighted the rider around Hausa Quarters in Ogheghe while driving his GLK Benz. When he confronted him, the rider allegedly raised a false alarm, shouting that Chiboy was a thief trying to snatch his motorcycle.
The false claim drew the attention of youths in the area, who descended on the deceased, beating and stabbing him to death before security operatives could intervene.
“Following the alarm, the youths in the area descended on him, stabbing him to death. The incident sparked retaliation from locals, causing tension in the area,”
a source disclosed.
Hausa Community Leader Calls for Calm
In the wake of the tragedy, a respected Hausa community leader in Benin City has appealed for peace, unity, and calm, calling on both Hausa and Edo residents to avoid further violence.
The leader, who spoke during a peace dialogue with community elders, expressed deep sorrow and regret over the killing, describing it as inhuman and unjustifiable.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of Chiboy. This act does not represent the values of the Hausa community in Edo State. We condemn it in the strongest terms and stand with the bereaved family in their grief,”
he said.
He assured that the Hausa community would cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served, emphasizing that the culprits must face the full weight of the law.
“We appeal for calm and understanding. Violence will only make things worse. Let us allow the police and government to handle the matter lawfully,”
the leader added.
Tension and Calls for Justice
The killing of Chiboy, who was well-known among Edo youths and local business circles, has triggered widespread outrage across social media and Benin City, with calls for justice trending under hashtags like #JusticeForChiboy and #SayNoToJungleJustice.
Security operatives have been deployed to Ogheghe and surrounding areas to prevent reprisal attacks, while community leaders from both ethnic sides continue to hold peace meetings aimed at restoring calm.
The Edo State Police Command reiterated its warning against mob action, describing jungle justice as a criminal act punishable under Nigerian law.
“The command warns residents to desist from taking laws into their own hands. Anyone involved in mob actions or jungle justice will face prosecution,”
the police spokesperson stressed.
The incident is the latest in a series of mob-related killings in Edo State, drawing renewed attention to the dangers of false alarms, misinformation, and mob justice.
Authorities have vowed to strengthen community policing and inter-ethnic dialogue to prevent future occurrences.
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