Suspected Thief Caught with Stolen Goods Worth N5m in Edo

The Edo State Police have arrested a 42-year-old man named Marvelous Ozu. He is linked to the breaking and entering of a pharmacy and grocery store on St. Saviour Road, Benin City.

The arrest took place on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Ozu was allegedly trying to sell some of the stolen goods at Mission Road, Benin City.

ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Police Public Relations Officer for Edo State, shared this news in a statement on Wednesday.

A trader, Nwasiwe Felix, reported the burglary at the St. Saviour Police Division. This happened around 10:15 am on August 22.

Ikoedem said Felix reported that thieves had broken into his store at No. 65, St. Saviour Road. They took away many items.

The statement included details of what was stolen. Felix said, "The stolen items included 25 bundles of electrical wires and cables, a 43-inch Hisense LED television, cartons of Chabbot and Valentino brandy, a Raleigh bicycle, assorted medicated soaps, perfumes, and cash amounting to Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (₦350,000)."

After the report, detectives went to the scene to start their investigation. They also alerted dealers who sell used items.

The police said this approach worked quickly. Ikoedem revealed that "around 1400hrs the same day, the police detectives successfully caught the suspect at Mission Road, Benin City, while he was trying to sell some of the stolen items."

After Ozu's arrest, the police executed a search warrant at his home on Ogbebor Street, off Upper Sakponba Road, Benin City.

The search led to the recovery of several items that were reported stolen by Felix. "Stolen items were recovered including a 43-inch Hisense LED television, five bottles of Chabbot brandy, assorted medicated soaps, perfumes, and some bundles of electrical wires and cables, among other items belonging to the complainant," the statement said.

The police valued the recovered goods at about N5 million. They also mentioned that Ozu had admitted to being involved in other burglaries.

According to the police, "the suspect has confessed to several other store break-ins and stealing."

The police command stated that Ozu would be taken to court once the investigation is complete.

CP Patrick Daaor, the Commissioner of Police for Edo State, praised the detectives for their quick response to the report.

The statement also quoted Daaor urging the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to the police. The command encouraged residents to reach their emergency control room at 08077773721, 08067551618, 08056776365, 08123827225, or 08037646272 during emergencies.