The Edo State Police Command has arrested three individuals in connection with the brutal murder of 41-year-old furniture maker, Aruna Imuekheme, in Benin City.
According to the command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects involved in the attack.
Imuekheme was reportedly killed by a gang of 11 men at his workshop located along Old Ahor Road in the Eyean area of Uhunmwode Local Government Area.
The incident reportedly began when a client returned to the workshop—six months after a completed job—complaining that the upholstery materials had compressed. The deceased explained that the original agreement was only to re-cover the furniture with new fabric, not to replace the foam. Though the dispute was initially resolved, it escalated days later.
“On Saturday, the client returned with 10 other men while the furniture maker was away,” CSP Yamu said.
The group allegedly attempted to steal tools and other items from the workshop, but were confronted by Imuekheme’s apprentices and local residents.
“When the deceased was alerted, he rushed back to the scene to intervene. Unfortunately, the group attacked him with dangerous weapons, beating him severely,” Yamu stated.
Imuekheme was rushed to several hospitals for treatment but was reportedly rejected before being confirmed dead on arrival at the Edo Specialist Hospital.
Police investigations are ongoing as the manhunt continues for the remaining suspects.
