Emmanuel Ovwarueso was apprehended by operatives of the Edo State Security Network for allegedly beheading his daughter as part of a money ritual in Benin City, Edo State.
The arrest took place in Uteh, Upper Mission, where the suspect resides. He was detained last Thursday at about midnight while in possession of the deceased’s head in a polythene bag.
Reportedly, Ovwarueso tied and gagged his wife and carried out the gruesome act in her presence.
His wife, whose name was not disclosed, stated, “My husband’s behavior changed recently. He kept insisting that I should not see him as a poor man anymore. He began spending lavishly, even buying drinks for everyone at his workplace as if celebrating. He even hinted to his coworkers that his fortune was imminent. We had no idea he planned to use our daughter for a ritual.”
An anonymous member of the ESSN recounted, “We encountered him that Thursday night carrying a bag and moving hastily as if rushing to catch a flight. Initially resistant, he claimed the bag contained his food. Upon inspection, we discovered a human head inside.”
Further interrogation led to the discovery of Ovwarueso’s restrained wife. She revealed that her husband had tied her up before committing the heinous act.
The suspect guided authorities to the burial site of the young girl, whose body was found in a shallow grave. He has since been handed over to the Nigeria Police, Edo State Command, for further investigation.
