#JusticeforUwa: Six Suspects Arrested in Benin

It has been three months since the ruthless rape and murder of Uwaila Omozuwa a 23-year-old 100 Level undergraduate of the University of Benin, who was reportedly gang-raped and severely injured inside a Redeemed Christian Church of God parish in Ikpoba Hill, Benin City on the 13th of May 2020. This gruesome and horrific act led to nationwide protests as government leaders, celebrities, tertiary education students and citizens demanded justice for the victim.

The Police recently made a massive breakthrough in the investigations on this crime, as six suspects were paraded this week at the Edo State Police Command’s headquarters with notable evidence. Speaking to Newsmen in Benin on Wednesday 26th of August, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Kokumo, said the police decided to deepen its efforts in unravelling those behind the death of the student, following public outcry and concern. He also revealed that the matter was of great concern to the Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Adamu, who sent in homicide experts to help the state Criminal Investigation Department with the Investigations. 

According to the Police Commissioner in a report by Premium Times, “What we are seeing today, is a result of the united efforts of the police to get at the root of the crime and today. I announce to you and making public through this medium that the perpetrators have been arrested,” as reported last week by Premium Times.

He noted that he had earlier assured the people of the state and Nigeria at large that the police will do all in its powers to unmask those behind her death. The suspects arrested include Nelson Ogbebor, Akato Valentine, Mrs Tina Samuel, Mrs Mary Ade, Nosa Osabohien and Collins Ulegbe.

During the course of this investigation, there were widespread rumours which placed suspicion on the Pastor and the Clerics of the particular church based on public preconceived notions. Earlier in June the Police also arrested someone who was said to be a prime suspect based on his apprehensive and sceptical social media claims. It is fulfilling to see how far the police had gone in ensuring that the perpetrators of this barbaric act are brought to book.

Though some of the arrested suspects have denied the claims against them, the Police Commissioner has assured that there will be no stone left unturned, as we await further reports on the investigation.