By Isaac Orobator
Jattu Uzairue, Edo State – The Edo State Police Command and the family of Miss Grace Egheose have declared Mr. Augustine Okhakumhe of Ivhiomierere Okotor Quarters, Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area, wanted over the alleged murder of Grace Egheose, who reportedly died during childbirth after being impregnated out of wedlock.
According to the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Eguavoen, who briefed journalists in Benin City—including reporters from The Nigerian Observer—Mr. Okhakumhe is wanted for a capital offense. A petition submitted to the command and signed by the Registry Department of the State High Court accuses Augustine of intentionally causing Grace’s death.
The petition, filed by the deceased’s family through the Auchi Area Command, alleges that Augustine took Grace to a quack doctor at an undisclosed hospital where she was administered a substance intended to induce labor. The attempt allegedly led to premature labor and severe bleeding, which ultimately resulted in her death.
More troubling, the petition claims that Grace was buried in secret without the knowledge or consent of her family. The only person reportedly aware of the incident was her grandmother, Madam Rita Oshiotse, with whom she had been staying. The grandmother is accused of colluding with Augustine to conceal the circumstances surrounding Grace’s death.
Following the police briefing, our correspondent visited Jattu Uzairue and spoke to a woman who identified herself as one of Augustine’s neighbors. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, she described the incident as unfortunate but contested the narrative in the family’s petition. According to her, Augustine did his best to save Grace’s life, and Madam Rita was only trying to manage a difficult situation.
She further revealed that months ago, individuals claiming to be Grace’s relatives stormed the community in Augustine’s absence and left a threatening message. They allegedly demanded that Grace’s body be exhumed and returned to her homeland in Esan, insisting Augustine must “marry” the deceased before she would be given a proper burial, warning that his family would know no peace otherwise.
The police command has now declared Augustine Okhakumhe and Madam Rita Oshiotse wanted for their involvement in the case. The matter has been transferred from the Auchi Area Command to the Homicide Department at the state headquarters for further investigation.
“We are on their trail and will ensure they are arrested and prosecuted for murder,” DSP Eguavoen said. “They have committed a capital offense punishable by death. We assure the deceased’s family that justice will be served.”
The command also appealed to members of the public to provide any useful information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects. Informants are promised a handsome reward.
As of press time, the whereabouts of Augustine Okhakumhe and Madam Rita Oshiotse remain unknown.
