Ovbokhan Igbinovia Kelvin, 43, the recently dethroned spiritualist (Ohen) of the Okhoromi community in Oredo Local Government Area, has been arrested by operatives of the Edo State Police Command along with four other individuals. The arrest followed a search of Igbinovia’s premises, which yielded a suspected human skull and a significant cache of arms and ammunition.
The other suspects apprehended alongside Igbinovia Kelvin have been identified as Osarodion Omoregie, 41; Charles Otasowei, 55; Edwin Igbinovia, 45; and Osagie Igbinovia, 44.
The arrest, which took place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, involved a coordinated effort by the Command Intelligence and Rapid Response Squad and the Anti-Kidnapping Squad. The dethronement of Igbinovia Kelvin as the community’s spiritual leader occurred on Thursday, May 15, 2025, following protests by community members alleging land grabbing and property demolition. The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, subsequently removed him from his position.
Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, confirmed the arrest in a statement released to the press on Sunday. “The suspects were apprehended during a targeted operation based on credible intelligence,” Yamu stated.
A detailed search of the deposed spiritualist’s residence uncovered a disturbing inventory of items. According to Yamu, these included “suspected human skulls, two AK-47 rifles with breach numbers TH4782 and 6683 respectively, two single-barrel locally made shotguns, three empty AK-47 magazines, one OFM magazine, and eleven rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.”
Yamu further stated that investigations are ongoing to locate additional weapons believed to be in the possession of the suspects and to apprehend any remaining members of their network who may have fled.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, reassured the public that the command remains committed to ensuring safety and security throughout the state. “The Command will not be deterred or distracted in its resolve to rid the state of all forms of crimes and criminality. We will continue to pursue and prosecute those who engage in illegal activities that threaten the peace and security of our communities.”
