The Edo State Police Command has arrested one Joshua Osaigbovo, 31, for the murder of Osato Festus Edogiaweria, a 21-year-old lady who was declared missing in April.
According to a statement issued by the Command, the incident followed a missing person report lodged on April 25, 2025, at Aduwawa Division by Mrs. Ojo, the mother of the deceased, who reported that her daughter left home on April 20, 2025, in the company of a friend and never returned.
The case was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department (SCID) for in-depth investigation.
Through painstaking intelligence gathering and technical surveillance, Operatives of the Family Unit arrested the suspect, Joshua Osaigbovo, a resident of Iyanomon community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, on June 18, 2025.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to having invited the victim to his residence on April 27, 2025. He admitted that a heated argument ensued between them, leading to a physical altercation during which Osato Festus fell, hit her head on the ground, and died.
In a bid to conceal the crime, Joshua confessed to conveying the deceased’s body in a wheelbarrow to a nearby bush, where he dug a shallow grave and buried her remains a few meters away from his residence.
On June 20, 2025, the suspect led police operatives to the crime scene at Iyanomon community, where the remains of the young woman were exhumed following due forensic and procedural protocols.
The Edo State Police Command assured that the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The Command further reiterated its unwavering resolve to rid Edo State of all forms of crime and criminality.
