Police Arraign Surety as Bigamy Suspect Flees to Canada

The Edo State Police Command has arraigned a 64-year-old man, Enabulele Sampson, for failing to produce a suspect he stood surety for, after the suspect reportedly fled Nigeria for Canada.

Police spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Benin City.

According to the police, Sampson had stood surety for Ajayi Patrick, who is under investigation for alleged bigamy. The case began on March 12, 2026, when the Aideyan Police Division received a complaint that Patrick was preparing to contract a second marriage at the Federal Marriage Registry on March 14, despite being in an existing marital union.

Officers were deployed to the venue following a distress call. During initial inquiries, the complainant, identified as Igho Joy, was asked to provide documentary evidence, including a marriage certificate, to support the allegation.

While investigations were ongoing to establish a prima facie case, Patrick was granted bail in line with police procedure. Sampson, who stood as surety, was instructed to produce the suspect at the station on March 17.

However, he failed to comply with the bail conditions and was subsequently arrested.

Further findings revealed that Patrick had left the country for Canada, allegedly to evade investigation. The police said it has contacted INTERPOL to assist in tracking and apprehending the suspect.

Sampson is now being prosecuted to determine whether the bail bond he entered into should be forfeited.

The Command also addressed allegations made by a group, Freedom Ambassadors Organisation, which accused the Divisional Police Officer of Aideyan Division, CSP Adesuwa Omoruyi, of corruption and aiding the suspect’s escape.

Police authorities dismissed the claims as false and misleading, stating that all actions taken followed due legal process. They emphasised that bigamy is a bailable offence and maintained that officers acted within the law.

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and proper prosecution of cases, urging the public to disregard unverified claims that could undermine confidence in the police.