Edo State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old man, Marvelous Ozu, over his alleged involvement in a burglary at a pharmaceutical and provision store in Benin City, recovering stolen property estimated at about ₦5 million.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the development in a statement issued to newsmen on Wednesday in Benin.
ASP Ikoedem said the arrest followed a complaint lodged on August 22, 2026, by the store owner, Nwasiwe Felix, at the St. Saviour Police Division after unknown persons reportedly broke into his shop located at No. 65 St. Saviour Road, Benin City.
According to him, the burglars made away with several valuable items, including 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 ₦350,000 in cash.
He said the police investigators immediately visited the scene and launched an investigation while also alerting dealers in fairly used goods to watch out for the stolen items.
The police spokesman said the breakthrough came later that same day at about 2:00 p.m., when detectives tracked down and arrested Ozu on Mission Road, Benin City, as he allegedly attempted to dispose of some of the stolen property.
Following his arrest, detectives obtained and executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence on Ogbebor Street, off Upper Sakponba Road, where additional stolen items linked to the burglary were recovered.
Items recovered from the residence included the 43-inch Hisense LED television, five bottles of Chabbot brandy, assorted medicated soaps, perfumes, electrical wires and cables, as well as other valuables identified by the complainant.
Police image maker said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect confessed to involvement in several other store break-ins and theft cases within the state.
ASP Ikoedem disclosed that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Patrick Daaor, praised the detectives for their swift response and professionalism, urging residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
He also encouraged members of the public to make use of the command’s emergency lines whenever they observe criminal activities.
