The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 13 suspects in connection with the mob killing of a 23-year-old man, identified as Chigozie Ifeonu, at Ogheghe community, along Upper Siluko Road, in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State.

According to a statement issued on Thursday in Benin City by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, the tragic incident occurred on October 28, 2025, around 4:45 p.m.

Ikoedem said the victim was attacked by a mob after being falsely accused of theft by a commercial motorcyclist.

“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,”
she stated.

The police spokesperson added that 13 suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing, while normalcy has since been restored to the affected community.

How the Incident Happened

Sources revealed that trouble started when a motorcyclist (popularly known as Okada rider) who had earlier entered a hire-purchase agreement with the deceased, raised a false alarm.

It was gathered that Chigozie had bought a motorcycle for the rider for commercial use, with an agreement that the rider would remit a fixed weekly payment until full ownership was achieved. However, the rider allegedly absconded with the motorcycle for two months, breaching the agreement.

On the day of the incident, Chigozie reportedly sighted the rider at Hausa Quarters in Ogheghe while driving his GLK Benz. When he confronted him, the rider allegedly raised a false alarm, shouting that Chigozie was a thief trying to snatch his motorcycle.

The alarm reportedly drew the attention of some 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 told newsmen.

Police Investigation Ongoing

The Edo State Police Command assured that investigations are ongoing and that all those found culpable would be prosecuted accordingly.

“The command warns residents to desist from taking laws into their own hands. Anyone involved in mob actions or jungle justice will face the full weight of the law,”
the statement added.

The latest incident has once again drawn attention to the rising cases of mob justice across parts of the state and the dangers of false alarm and misinformation.