Police operatives from Zone 5 headquarters, Benin, have launched a search for persons suspected to be grave robbers who invaded a private residence, exhumed and whisked away the corpse of an octogenarian landlord few hours after he was buried inside his room in Benin City.
It could not be immediately ascertained whether any valuables were in the grave when the robbers struck.
Police identified the stolen corpse as that of Pa. Edebiri Anthony, 87 and the incident occurred at 10, Mission Road, Benin City.
Police public relations officer, Zone 5 Headquarters in charge of Delta and Edo states Command, DSP Tijani Momoh, stated that men of the homicide section have commenced full scale investigation as directed by the assistant inspector-general of Police, AIG Arungwa Nwazue Udo, in the zone.
The PPRO stated, “On the receipt of a petition received from some children of the Late Pa Anthony Edebiri, the AIG, Zone 5, Benin City directed men of the homicide section of the zone to immediately commence investigation.
“Two suspects, Ekiuwa Igbe and Kingsley Osagie were invited and interrogated over conspiracy, unlawful exhumation and stealing of the corpse of Anthony Edebiri.
“They denied the allegations. Investigation is on-going,” DSP Tijani said.
A’s visit to the deceased residence on Mission Road revealed that no economic activities was going on there as all shops in the building were not opened for business.
Efforts to contact a man identified simply as “Chairman of the compound”, failed.
A source who claimed to be a relation of late Pa Edebiri Anthony, said the deceased was buried on January 9, 2021 and stolen about 12 am on January 10, 2021.
He said the deceased had children from many wives and that one Edwin who lives abroad is the only male child.
“My brother, I commend the homicide men. I have confidence in the way investigation is going now; all parties have been interviewed and statements made”, the source said.
A notable custodian of African traditional religion condemned the act, saying graves are sacred grounds and should never be disturbed, unless in exceptional circumstances, as deliberate acts of destruction, theft or vandalism in places where people have been buried are not only prohibited by law but also considered a taboo in Benin tradition and most African communities.
He appealed to the Edo State Government and other relevant institutions to deal decisively with anyone or group found to have wilfully desecrated a grave.
