BENIN CITY – Edo State Police Command says it has arrested ten more suspects of #EndSARS protests who were declared wanted in connection with the invasion of the Benin Correctional Centres where over 1000 inmates were recently set free, even as it has declared that nine (9) others were still being hunted by the Command for various offences.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo who disclosed this to newsmen on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 reiterated that despite the arrest of 106 suspects, penultimate week, the Police Command had resolved to hunt, arrest and prosecute those involved in the alleged arson, looting and subsequent jail break into the Benin Correctional Centres which characterised the #EndSARS protests of October 19, 2020.

He stated that following intelligence gathering, some of the fleeing suspects were arrested at various borders of the country, while trying to escape to neighbouring countries while two of the suspects were however arrested at the Abuja International Airport trying to board a flight to foreign countries.

CP Kokumo also clarified that while ten suspects, beside the earlier 106, were arrested for escaping from lawful custody, another ten were however arrested for various other offences ranging from arson, looting and other forms of brigandage, including unlawful jail break during the #EndSARS protets which wreaked untold hardship on the residents in the State, particularly, Benin metropolis.

According to the Police Commissioner, “the Command wishes to brief members of the public again, through the media on the EndSARS protest, which was subsequently hijacked by hoodlums who went in berserk, wreaking havoc majorly in Benin metropolis.

“As you are aware, the hoodlums burnt down police stations, carted away arms and ammunition, raped women in some areas, killed policemen on their gory path to destruction, freed convicted criminals and felons, looted businesses and extorted innocent Nigerians”.

While parading the ten suspects who had been arrested, CP Kokuma emphasised that nine others were still at large and gave their names as Musa Muhammed, 25; Godwin Kadiri, 38; Kabiru Adams, 39; Joseph Omoregbe, 22; Etim Ubongu, 40; Anthony Aikasabor, 36; Ogiesewu Lucky, 28; Eke Matthew, 21 and Thadeus Okokobili, 34.

The Police Commissioner stated that among items recovered from the suspects were five AK-47 riffles, two locally made exhibit guns; one Lexus 330 SUV, with registration Number KWL 205 AZ, one Toyota Camry Saloon Car, with Registration Number LSD 231 and another Toyota Camry Car with registration Number BEN 853 SP

He also listed other items recovered as two bags of 50KG and one 25KG bag of rice and 24 Crates of assorted drinks.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr. Johnson Kokumo has appealed to members of the public with useful information on the whereabouts of the fleeing suspects being declared wanted to furnish the State Command with same, assuring that it will leave no stone unturned to arrest and prosecute them.