By Jethro Ibileke

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested two suspected vandals for allegedly breaking into and vandalizing transmission equipment at the Africa Independent Television (AIT) station in Benin.

The suspects, Martins Donatus, 26, and Mohammed Abubakar, 28, were arrested on August 10, 2026, at the station’s premises along Benin–Idogbo Road, Ikhueniro Community.

They were among 13 suspects paraded on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, by the State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, at the Command headquarters.

According to the CP, the suspects invaded the AIT premises, which is currently off-air, and carted away master control room transmission equipment valued at approximately ₦150 million.

One of the suspects, Martins Donatus, confessed to journalists that he was part of the construction workers who built the station.

He admitted they had vandalized the station on three separate occasions, removing copper wires from the equipment and selling them for about ₦200,000.

It was gathered that the total value of equipment vandalized across the three incidents is over ₦400 million.

Also paraded was a suspected kidnapper and alleged member of the “dreaded Aiye secret cult.”

The CP said the suspect met his victim, Elizabeth William, on TikTok and later lured her to his residence at Ogheghe Community off Benin/Auchi Road, under the guise of a romantic date.

“However, the lady was held captive, and her family was contacted for ransom. The sum of ₦500,000 was paid for her release,” Daaor said.

The Command said investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion.