The Edo State Police Command has arrested a man, identified as Amadin William, for the alleged murder of his childhood friend, Eghosa Osarietinomwan, a Europe-based Nigerian, in Oben community, Orhionmwon Local Government Area.
ASP Eno Ikoedem, the command’s spokesperson, disclosed the arrest to journalists on Sunday in Benin City and said two others were also detained over a reprisal attack that followed the killing.
“He was rushed to the hospital for treatment, where he was confirmed dead.
“The suspect, after committing the crime, absconded and went into hiding but was tracked and arrested on December 27.
“Meanwhile, two other persons have been arrested in connection with the arson that followed the incident,” she said.
Police said the killing occurred on December 22, 2025, during a house-warming ceremony in Oben, when the victim stepped outside and was allegedly lured onto a nearby bush path by the suspect.
Sources told newsmen that William attacked Osarietinomwan with a machete, inflicting deep neck wounds. The victim, who had returned from Europe to spend the Yuletide with family, was taken to hospital but later died from his injuries.
After the slaying, angry youths in the community reportedly retaliated by attacking and setting fire to the suspect’s residence, prompting further arrests as investigators moved to restore order.