Pastor denies knowing whereabouts of suspect wanted by Police

A Benin-based cleric, Pastor Matthew Ose Ehigiamusoe, founder of God’s Abundance Blessings Ministry, on Monday, May 4, 2026, denied knowing the whereabouts of a wanted suspect before the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State CID, Edo State Police Command.

The suspect, Victor Osakue Osas, is currently wanted by the Edo State Police Command for the alleged murder of two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youth executives—Clement Iyekekpolo and Andrew Odigie in Egor Local Government Area of the state on October 20, 2020.

Pastor Ehigiamusoe, who was alleged to have information regarding the wanted suspect, was invited by the State Police Command following a petition written by Mr. Felix Iyekekpolo and Osazee Odigie on behalf of the victims’ families.

Speaking to journalists at the Edo State Police Command, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Ebo Ikoefem, disclosed that the petition from the families, dated May 4, 2026, alleged that Pastor Ehigiamusoe possessed vital information capable of leading to the arrest and prosecution of the fleeing suspect.

ASP Ikoefem disclosed that upon receipt of the petition, the State Police Command swung into action by issuing an invitation letter to the pastor for interrogation to ascertain the veracity of the claims.

“Pastor Matthew Ose Ehigiamusoe was duly interrogated for several hours by a team of investigators regarding the aforementioned allegations. The interrogation focused on determining whether he had withheld any material information relevant to the ongoing investigation and manhunt for the suspect.”

“Upon conclusion of the interrogation, a preliminary review of available evidence, and the execution of a search warrant at his residence, the Command found the allegations leveled against Pastor Matthew Ose Ehigiamusoe to be baseless and unfounded. There was no evidence to substantiate claims that he concealed information related to the whereabouts of the suspect.”

“Following the interrogation and findings, Pastor Matthew Ehigiamusoe was released unconditionally and allowed to return home.”
Going further, the PPRO reiterated that Victor Osakue Osas remains on the wanted list for the alleged murder of the two PDP executive members, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend him.”

“Investigation is also ongoing to unravel those behind the destruction of Pastor Matthew Ose Ehigiamusoe’s church properties.”

“The Police Command, therefore, appeals to members of the public that anyone with useful information that may lead to the arrest of Victor Osakue Osas should report immediately to the nearest police station or directly to the Edo State Police Command,” the PPRO said.

Meanwhile, Pastor Ehigiamusoe has filed a report with the state command regarding an attack on his church and the destruction of properties during a Sunday service.

He is seeking police protection and has appealed for a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators of the attack, which left several members of his congregation injured.

Investigations revealed that while the Sunday service was underway, unidentified youths stormed the church and demanded an audience with the pastor while he was delivering his sermon.

When an usher requested that they wait for the sermon to end, the youths assaulted her.

As other attackers attempted to reach the pulpit, the pastor managed to escape through a back door.

Narrating his ordeal, an usher simply identified as Ezekiel stated that congregants had to run for safety, with several individuals sustaining injuries in the stampede.

At the time of filing this report, police investigations into the attack are ongoing, and the PPRO has promised to update the press on their findings in due course.