Operatives of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) have arrested a 21-year-old man over the alleged abduction of a four-year-old boy in Benin City.
The suspect, identified as ThankGod Destiny, was apprehended on January 4, 2026, at Ikpoba Hill in Ikpoba Okhai Local Government Area. The Deputy Corps Commander for Operations, Richard Balogun, disclosed the incident to journalists on Thursday.
According to Balogun, the child went missing shortly after stepping out with his mother. Moments later, the suspect allegedly took the boy and boarded a commercial bus heading toward King’s Square.
Suspicion was raised when the bus driver noticed that the child bore no resemblance to the man. When questioned, the suspect reportedly gave conflicting explanations, first claiming the child was sick and needed medical attention, and later saying he was taking the boy to buy footwear. The inconsistent responses prompted both the driver and a female passenger to raise an alarm.
The alert quickly drew the attention of ESSC operatives on patrol, leading to the immediate arrest of the suspect and the rescue of the child, who was found unharmed.
Balogun confirmed that the boy has since been reunited with his family and assured residents that the Corps remains committed to tackling crime across the state. The suspect has been handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.