In a chilling case that has gripped the attention of Edo State and beyond, a Benin High Court on Friday, May 23, 2025, ordered the remand of 62-year-old Martins Oghenevurie to a correctional facility for his alleged involvement in the gruesome murder of an unidentified woman, believed to have been killed for ritual purposes. The case, which has sent shockwaves through the community, underscores the persistent menace of ritual killings in Nigeria and raises questions about the motives and networks behind such heinous acts.
The Alleged Crime: A Brutal Act in Ikhueniro
According to the prosecution, the crime took place on April 23, 2025, at No. 2, Martin Close, off Martins Street, in the Ikhueniro area of Benin City. Martins Oghenevurie, along with an accomplice, Edward Oghenevurie—who remains at large—is accused of conspiring to commit a felony, namely the murder of an unidentified woman. The details of the crime, as presented in court, paint a horrifying picture. The prosecution alleges that the suspects attacked the victim with a dangerous weapon, inflicting fatal injuries. In a macabre twist, they are said to have mutilated her body, removing her private parts, breasts, and other organs, purportedly for ritualistic purposes.
The brutality of the act has left residents of Ikhueniro and surrounding communities in a state of fear and disbelief. Ritual killings, though not new in Nigeria, continue to evoke outrage and dread, as they often involve vulnerable victims and are tied to beliefs in supernatural wealth or power. The identity of the victim remains unknown, adding a layer of tragedy to an already disturbing case. Authorities are reportedly working to identify her, but the lack of information has only deepened the mystery surrounding this crime.
Court Proceedings: A Case That Demands Justice
The case was brought before Justice Williams Aziegbemhin at the Benin High Court, where the prosecution laid out the charges against Martins Oghenevurie. The allegations fall under serious criminal provisions, with the prosecution arguing that the act of murder, combined with the ritualistic mutilation, constitutes a grave offense that demands thorough investigation and prosecution. The court, recognizing the severity of the charges, ordered Martins Oghenevurie’s remand in a correctional centre pending further legal proceedings.
Justice Aziegbemhin adjourned the case to May 30, 2025, to allow the prosecution to obtain advice from the state Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). This step is critical, as the DPP’s guidance will determine the next phases of the legal process, including whether additional charges will be filed or if the case will proceed to a full trial. The adjournment also reflects the court’s commitment to ensuring that due process is followed in a case that has already attracted significant public attention.
The absence of the second suspect, Edward Oghenevurie, adds complexity to the case. Authorities have issued a manhunt for the fugitive, and law enforcement agencies are urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to his arrest. The fact that one suspect remains at large has heightened concerns about the potential existence of a broader network involved in such ritualistic crimes.
Community Reaction
The Ikhueniro community, where the crime occurred, is reeling from the news. Residents describe the area as a quiet, close-knit neighborhood, making the brutality of the alleged murder all the more shocking. “We never thought something like this could happen here,” said one local, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns. “This is a wake-up call for all of us to be more vigilant and for the authorities to do more to protect us.”
Local leaders and civil society organizations have also weighed in, urging the government to address the root causes of ritual killings, including poverty, illiteracy, and the proliferation of harmful cultural practices. Some have called for the establishment of a special task force to investigate ritual-related crimes, while others advocate for harsher penalties to deter would-be perpetrators.
What Lies Ahead?
As the case progresses, all eyes will be on the Benin High Court and the actions of law enforcement in apprehending Edward Oghenevurie. The upcoming hearing on May 30, 2025, is expected to provide further clarity on the direction of the case, including whether additional evidence or witnesses will be presented. The prosecution’s reliance on the DPP’s advice underscores the complexity of the case, which may involve intricate legal arguments and forensic evidence.
For now, Martins Oghenevurie remains in custody, and the search for his alleged accomplice continues. The unidentified victim, whose life was tragically cut short, represents yet another casualty in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle against ritualistic violence. Her story, though incomplete, serves as a sobering reminder of the need for justice, accountability, and societal change.
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