Ovbokhan Igbinovia, the recently deposed traditional priest (Ohen) of Okhuoromi community in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, was arrested on Saturday by the police for possession of firearms, ammunition, and a suspected human skull.
The 43-year-old was removed from his position just days earlier by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, over serious allegations of misconduct, including land-grabbing, extortion, and other activities deemed abominable under Benin customs.
Igbinovia was apprehended along with four accomplices—Osarodion Omoregie (41), Charles Otasowei (55), Edwin Igbinovia (45), and Osagie Igbinovia (44)—in a sting operation conducted by the Edo State Police Command’s Intelligence and Rapid Response Squad, in conjunction with the Anti-Kidnapping Squad.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, the operation led to the recovery of a cache of weapons and other incriminating items from Igbinovia’s residence. Items seized included two AK-47 rifles with breach numbers TH4782 and 6683, two locally fabricated single-barrel shotguns, three empty AK-47 magazines, one OFM magazine, 11 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and a suspected human skull.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, stated that investigations are ongoing, with efforts being made to recover more weapons and track down other members of the criminal network. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to eradicating all forms of criminality within the state.
The arrest follows the formal dethronement of Igbinovia by the Oba of Benin on Thursday. The Oba’s decision came after multiple complaints of unauthorized demolition of private properties and gross violations of Benin traditional norms.
The announcement of Igbinovia’s removal was made by the Obazelu of Benin, Chief Osaro Idah, who relayed the monarch’s directive to elders of the Okhuoromi community and handed over community leadership to the Odionwere, Pa Oghagbon Edosomwan.
At a palace meeting attended by senior chiefs, including Chief Isaac Oyeoba and Chief Uyi Okungbowa, the Obazelu warned that any defiance of the Oba’s order would attract both legal and traditional sanctions.
The Benin monarch distanced the royal institution from all forms of lawlessness and assured the public that justice would be served to those affected by the former priest’s actions.
Oba Ewuare II also revealed that palace chiefs had been assigned to conduct a thorough investigation into the extent of the damage in Okhuoromi. He encouraged all affected individuals to submit formal complaints, supported with photographic or video evidence, to the appropriate authorities for proper redress.
 of Edo State, was arrested on Saturday by the police for possession of firearms,){kind=link}