Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
Police operatives from Zone 5 Headquarters, Benin, have begun and intensified their search on persons suspected to be grave robbers who invaded a private residence, exhumed and cart away the corpse of 87 years old landlord, Pa. Edebiri Anthony, few hours after he was buried inside his room at 10, Mission Road, Benin City.
It was gathered that late Pa Edebiri Anthony was buried on January 9th, 2021 and stolen about 12 a.m on January 10th, 2021
It could not be immediately ascertained whether any valuables were in the grave when the robbers invaded the residence and made away with the dead body.
Speaking on the incidence, the Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 5 Headquarters in charge of Delta and Edo states Commands, DSP Tijani Momoh, stated that men of the homicide section had commenced full scale investigation as directed by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Arungwa Nwazue Udo, in the zone.
“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.
Meanwhile, a 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 but preferred anonymity, said that the corpse was buried on January 9th, 2021 and stolen about 12 a.m on January 10th, 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.