Edo State Police Command have arrested one Joshua Osaigbovo, 31, for the alleged murder of Osato Festus Edogiaweria, a 21-year-old woman earlier declared missing.
According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, the case was initially reported on April 25, 2025 at Aduwawa Division by the mother of the deceased, Mrs. Ojo, who disclosed that her daughter had gone missing after leaving home with a friend on April 20, 2025 and was never heard from again.
Following the report, the case was escalated to the State CID and handed to the Family Unit for deeper investigation. With the aid of technical intelligence and painstaking forensic efforts, operatives arrested Osaigbovo, a resident of Iyanomon community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, on June 18, 2025.
During interrogation, Police said the suspect confessed to inviting the deceased to his residence on April 27, 2025. He admitted that an argument ensued during their time together, which led to a physical fight. Osato allegedly fell during the scuffle, hitting her head on the ground and dying instantly.
Osaigbovo further confessed to disposing of the young woman’s body by transporting her in a wheelbarrow to a nearby bush, where he dug a shallow grave and buried her just a few meters away from his home.
On June 20, 2025, the suspect led police operatives to the exact location of the grave in Iyanomon community. The remains of Osato Festus were exhumed under full legal and procedural compliance.
The Edo State Police Command has reiterated its resolve to rid the state of criminal elements and bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice. The suspect is currently in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
