The peaceful Obagie Community in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State has been thrown into grief and disbelief after a tragic incident in which an 18-year-old boy, Tega Emajuwa, allegedly kidnapped and murdered his 12-year-old cousin, Emiliano Egwunbare, for ritual purposes
According to reports, the incident occurred on September 16, 2025, when young Emiliano was abducted shortly after returning from school. His parents raised an alarm after he failed to return home that evening. Initial search efforts by family members and neighbors yielded no results, prompting them to report the matter to the police.
Sources revealed that Emajuwa, who had lived with Emiliano’s parents for several months, conspired with two friends, Edugie Destiny (20) and Osayande Vincent (23), to carry out the abduction. The suspects reportedly demanded a ransom from Emiliano’s parents and collected an undisclosed sum but failed to release the boy even after payment.
When the family became suspicious of Emajuwa’s behavior, the police were informed and an investigation was launched by operatives of the Edo State Police Command.
Following sustained tactical and technical intelligence, Emajuwa was tracked down and arrested. Initially, he denied involvement in the disappearance but later confessed after hours of interrogation. His confession led to the arrest of his two accomplices, Destiny and Vincent.
A police source disclosed that during interrogation, Emajuwa admitted that they killed the boy and dumped his body in a well in the community. He also confessed that they harvested some vital organs from the victim, allegedly for ritual purposes intended to bring them wealth and protection.
Residents described the confession as horrifying and deeply unsettling. One community elder, who preferred to remain anonymous, said it was unthinkable that someone could harm his own blood relative in such a manner. He described Emiliano as a bright and cheerful boy and said the entire community was still in shock.
Acting on the suspects’ confession, police operatives discovered the decomposing body of Emiliano in a well located on the outskirts of the community. The body was recovered and taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) mortuary for autopsy.
A resident who witnessed the recovery described the scene as heartbreaking. He said that people could not hold back tears as the remains were brought out, adding that the sight was unbearable and left the community devastated.
Confirming the incident, the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer for Edo State, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the case was initially reported at the Ogida Police Division before being transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Unit in Benin for discreet investigation.
She said, “Following sustained tactical and technical intelligence, operatives of the unit arrested three suspects, Tega Emajuwa, aged 18, Edugie Destiny, aged 20, and Osayande Vincent, aged 23, who all made confessional statements linking them to the crime. Sadly, during the course of investigation, the victim’s body was discovered inside a well in Obagie Community. The remains were evacuated and deposited at the UBTH mortuary for autopsy.”
ASP Ikoedem also addressed a viral video circulating on social media in which the mother of the deceased alleged that the suspects had been released. She described the claim as false and misleading.
She said, “The Edo State Police Command wishes to categorically state that this claim is false, misleading, and unfounded. The suspects remained in lawful custody until they were charged to court on October 16, 2025, where the case is currently ongoing. They have all been remanded for prosecution. The mother of the deceased was present in court during the proceedings.”
The murder has triggered widespread outrage across Edo State, with residents and advocacy groups calling for justice and a stronger response from authorities to curb ritual-related crimes.
Community youth leader, Mr. Richard Omoregie, described the act as a new low in moral decay. He said too many young people are being drawn into dangerous beliefs that promise instant wealth through human sacrifice. He urged government and religious leaders to intensify public enlightenment campaigns against ritual killings and the false notion of quick money through diabolic means.
Local residents have also called for greater vigilance among parents and guardians. Mrs. Osayuki Adebayo, a mother of three in the area, advised parents to pay attention to the kind of company their children keep. She said the love of money has taken over the hearts of many youths and that this is destroying families.
This incident adds to a growing list of ritual-related killings reported across parts of Nigeria in recent years. Security experts have repeatedly warned about the resurgence of such practices, often fueled by social media content glamorizing get-rich-quick lifestyles.
A criminologist at the University of Benin, Dr. Osahon Igbinedion, commented on the case and noted that ignorance, unemployment, and peer pressure often play key roles in pushing young people into crime. He said Nigeria needs a combined approach involving education, law enforcement, and moral reorientation to combat this disturbing trend.
ASP Ikoedem reaffirmed the commitment of the Edo State Police Command to ensure justice is served. She also encouraged residents to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by providing credible information that could help prevent similar tragedies.
The suspects, Tega Emajuwa, Edugie Destiny, and Osayande Vincent, are currently remanded in custody pending trial.
As the investigation continues, the family of the late Emiliano Egwunbare is left mourning the painful loss of their only son. Neighbors described him as a gentle, respectful, and brilliant child whose life was cut short by those he trusted.
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