Oba Of Benin In Modern Slavery Scandal, Uses Influence To Detain Palace Aide Who Served Him From Age 15 In Prison For Months, Denies Him Bail Over Allegation Of Stealing

The Oba of Benin in Edo State, Oba Ewuare II, is currently enmeshed in modern-day slavery scandal and an alleged violation of human rights of one of his palace aides, Nelson Oghogho – a 20-year-old who was detained by the police for months and remanded in prison over an allegation of stealing.

SaharaReporters learnt that Oghogho, who joined the palace in 2016 as a 15-year-old boy, was also denied bail by the police who were reportedly acting on “palace instructions.”

SaharaReporters gathered that the palace detained Oghogho and another palace aide, identified only as Bright, from May to August 2021 when they were taken to court and the two had been in prison ever since.

“So everyone is scared of the big name and the family of this boy is really helpless now; He was detained since May 31, 2021. The strange part is that they even denied his bail even when it was a case of someone being accused of stealing,” a source said.

"It may also interest you to know that these people are doing everything possible to sweep this issue under the carpet so people don’t know about it and they constantly give the impression that Nelson must serve some time for this outrageous allegation.

"Some time ago, Nelson tried to run away from the palace because of the maltreatment and hardship he had endured. You should also know that his poor parents who are farmers have not been spared by this cruel monarch as their few hard-earned landed properties have been seized and they are constantly at risk.

"They have done all they can to beg and are still begging and saying he (Oba of Benin) should have their properties in exchange for their son’s freedom but to no avail. In my opinion, this is a pure case of modern slavery and this should not be tolerated.

"They are just using influence to keep the poor guy in prison, he was supposed to have been granted bail but they denied the bail, the state council opposed it and they are all trying to please the king."

SaharaReporters learnt that Oghogho and the other were accused of stealing N200 million cash from the palace.

He was charged with stealing and conspiracy
Speaking with SaharaReporters, a top source revealed that the allegation of stealing N200 million cash from the palace was both frivolous and inhumane.

“How is it humanly possible for a 20-year-old boy to steal the sum of N200 million in cash from the palace with all the security and pageantry without being noticed and traced? Even a bullion van will hardly hold that much money. It may also interest you to know that these people are doing everything possible to sweep this issue under the carpet.

"Initially, he (Oba of Benin) said it was $20,000, then, he said N10 million, when he saw that he wasn’t getting as much solidarity. He started increasing it till now it’s currently N200,000,000, which he is accusing Nelson of stealing. 

“The state council gave some flimsy excuses that Nelson will run off if granted bail while his lawyer sat there and said nothing. Seemingly they’ve all been bought over. His lawyer later suggested that we should go for an appeal for the bail and charge an outrageous sum of N1 million,” he said.

SaharaReporters learnt that the palace aide now 20 years old (to turn 21 this year), wrote some notes while in remand, detailing how his ordeal at the Oba of Benin’s palace started.
He is being remanded in Oko correctional centre in Benin City.

In the notes written by the accused while in prison, and obtained by SaharaReporters on Friday, Nelson said, “Before reading this book, things you need to know; one, I have been serving the King (Oba Ewuare II) for five years plus. I have been serving without off day, break or relaxation time. I work 365 or 366 days a year.

“I am not on any payroll, I don’t receive any salary. My family don’t get any benefit or compensation. They haven’t received anything from the palace. My education got tampered with since I got to the palace because the school is not functioning well and no proper equipment or lab. I was over-laboured.

“I don’t have fixed working hours. Sometimes I do work from morning (6am) till midnight (12am); sometimes till dawn. I don’t have time for myself because I was occupied. I was being maltreated. I have photo proof. I was always beaten and threatened every day. I was just waiting for the whole issue to die so I can leave because it was becoming more unbearable. I called my parents and I explained everything to them; I even told my friends. They all advised me to just bear that maybe everything will soon be over.

“It all started when an issue arose on May 15, 2021, about some missing cash in the King (Oba Ewuare’s) inner chamber. I happen to be one of the close aides to him. So one of my colleagues, Bright, was detained on that same day; May 15 for questioning.

“Meanwhile I was still doing my daily routine without knowing how the whole matter was going. I was beaten and threatened to confess about my colleague (Bright) that I saw him taking the money. But I refused to do so because I never saw him taking the money. Truth be told, it wasn’t very easy; I couldn’t run because they would falsely accuse me. Though I kept on complaining to the person that brought me (Rowland), he kept telling me to keep calm that I can run when everything is over. He told me everyone will conclude I am the one who took the money if I run.

“On May 31, Rowland told me that I was going to the State Criminal Investigation Department to write a statement that Bright mentioned my name in his statement ad I was really confused because I don’t even know what he was talking about. So I walked up to his car and entered there. I heard a lot of rumour that police can torture you and you will start confessing what you didn’t do. I was really scared.

“Then I asked Rowland if I could go home from the police station because all I wanted in my life was freedom. So I told Rowland I was going to confess that I saw Bright and Igwe coming out from the inner chamber with brown envelope but I don’t know what was inside; that they gave me some cash later that day not to tell anyone I saw them.

“The story was made up, no incident like that ever occurred. I wanted to get myself involved so I will be chased from the palace and I see that as the only way to freedom. So Rowland drove me to the State CID with two bouncers who they were going to detain too. We met the Commander, anti-cultist unit and I wrote my statement in his office. I was surprised that after writing the statement, Rowland left me there and I was detained on May 31, 2021. At first, I thought Rowland was going to inform the king so that I would be sent home as we both agreed. But I never heard from him for more than a week. I waited for weeks but he never showed up but kept giving excuses when called.

“I was detained for two months, a week and a day. (May 31 to August 8, 2021); my parents never visited nor called to check up on me. It was my girlfriend that kept on bringing food to me. It wasn’t really easy though.

“Note that my parents’ property; a house on 100 by 100 and extra land were seized by the palace even before investigations started. The properties have not been returned yet.
“So after being detained again on October 25, 2021, we were charged to court. We were taken to a High Court for a stealing case. We were remanded in Oko Prison on October 26, 2021, as awaiting trial persons.

“So on a fateful day, we were called for a visit by some prison wardens that there were some visitors from the palace. On getting there, we saw Dennis Osaretin, Oyaniyen and one other palace functionary who I assume the palace sent to check to see if we were really suffering.
“Tomorrow is Christmas and I am still in prison; worst Christmas ever not for me though because I always celebrate it without going out or having fun but it’s actually the worst Christmas for my family. How are they going to celebrate Christmas knowing their son, brother is in prison? Don’t really know how they feel now but I still give thanks to GOD.”

Frank Irabor, Secretary of Benin Traditional Council, told SaharaReporters that the monarch is too big to respond to such allegations, especially as the matter is in court. 

"I don't understand the case you are talking about, the case is in court, do you want Omo n'Oba (Oba of Benin) to react to that? 
"If someone is detained, even for one year, that is at the discretion of the judge or the agency handling the case. They will want to continue to remand the person, maybe to conclude their investigation. 

"They should not drag Omo n'Oba into it at all; he is too big for that. So there is no need to say the palace or the secretary should react. Let the court handle it. Please, he is too big for that," Irabor said. 

Source: http://saharareporters.com/2022/02/19/exclusive-oba-benin-modern-slavery-scandal-uses-influence-detain-palace-aide-who-served

If this is true, Obaseki should do the needful as no one is above the law

Activists in the house lets do something on this case

The way the oba of benin is referenced in benin is too absolute for comfort... But well, that's the pride of benin people so no disrespect.
The governor should see to the matter

The defendant acted foolishly but that doesn't mean he's guilty. I do find it hard to believe he organized the theft of 200 million naira in cash without being noticed. I'm just not sure about the story though.

I dont buy his slavery story considering he could of walked off the job when he was 18. Did his parents sell him into slavery and not care? If they're working you like a mule with no payment why are you there? It was foolish for him wasting his life serving this king, speaking to the police without a lawyer and signing statements without a deal in place.

“I don’t have fixed working hours. Sometimes I do work from morning (6am) till midnight (12am); sometimes till dawn. I don’t have time for myself because I was occupied. I was being maltreated. I have photo proof. I was always beaten and threatened every day. I was just waiting for the whole issue to die so I can leave because it was becoming more unbearable. I called my parents and I explained everything to them; I even told my friends. They all advised me to just bear that maybe everything will soon be over.

If you all knew what you are getting into ,leave the oba alone , be warned , omadan (sword bearers ) are known to be terrible kids , wayward and crimey at a young age , they are taken to the palace as a way of curbing their evil excesses, its a last resort for parents in ancient times and modern , its an institution on its own to teach these kids discipline. BE WARNED

Hmmm. Reminds me of human slavery insider story on Al Jazeera and CNN Freedom project .
This news may soon get the attention of these international media stations.

godofuck231:
If you all knew what you are getting into ,leave the oba alone , be warned , omadan (sword bearers ) are known to be terrible kids , wayward and crimey at a young age , they are taken to the palace as a way of curbing their evil excesses, its a last resort for parents in ancient times and modern , its an institution on its own to teach these kids discipline. BE WARNED

How does any of this excuse the alleged criminality of the institution?

Accusing fingers

Note that my parents’ property; a house on 100 by 100 and extra land were seized by the palace even before investigations started. The properties have not been returned yet.

How does the palace have the power to seize your property? Why would they take they take their property when they have nothing to do with it. Lol will they also punish their grand children and great grand children like north Korea? This story is so weird lets hope S.R covers the court case extensively.

Blue3k:


How does any of this excuse the alleged criminality of the institution?

the police is investigating, if you are powerful then go put hand , go fight for justice , i hail you

Lol if the guy beats the case he should write a tell all book detailing the experience working for the king. That's after suing every party for civil damages.

godofuck231:
If you all knew what you are getting into ,leave the oba alone , be warned , omadan (sword bearers ) are known to be terrible kids , wayward and crimey at a young age , they are taken to the palace as a way of curbing their evil excesses, its a last resort for parents in ancient times and modern , its an institution on its own to teach these kids discipline. BE WARNED

Reading through your comment, you must think you are addressing a kindergaten class .
Please go and ask deposed Alhaji Dasuki, SLS , Andrew, the favorite son of Queen of England etc about their experience when they are found on the other side of the law and the power of the law .

If these accusations are true,ehn, the individual occupying that Oba stool is playing with fire! Just pray that boy does not die in prison. You just confirmed that the allegation of Saharareporters,known for fake news, is true by trying to insinuate that the boy deserve to be a slave.

Slavery is a huge offence in this age both internationally and locally and once that stool is tainted with the acts of modern slavery, trust me, it is then that you will know the difference between that stool and the individual sitting on it. He will have to go or commit suicide to avoid disgrace. These accusations are grave!

This is a leader who at about same time Nelson was allegedly enslaved and locked up on his order recieved the news of his triplets abi quadruplets arrival from his latest young wife , he is now the one who is being alleged of enslaving the child of another person and even seizing the properties of those old folks

You better warn the current occupier of the stool. That stool office is what is being respected o not a mortal being occupying the seat o.

You are the ones who should be warned and warn others thinking they are in the stone age of human slavery.

FreeStuffsNG:


Reading through your comment, you must think you are addressing kindergatens. Go and ask deposed Alhaji Dasuki, SLS , Andrew, the favorite son of Queen of England etc.

Lol Andrew was such an idiot giving that interview. That guys going down and royals aren't trying to go down with him. I really don't get the worship of mortal men.

Blue3k:


Lol Andrew was such an idiot giving that interview. That guys going down and royals aren't trying to go down with him. I really don't get the worship of mortal men.

From time immemorial and even till date, people hero-worship their fellow mere mortal human beings for different reasons but in a case where crime is established to have been commited, there will be a distinction between the individual on a seat and the office. Not even a title you earn by being the 1st biologocal son o, not an office you attained because you achieved one serious form of bravery or phenomenal accomplishment. Your only credential to be on that seat is by circumstances of birth and nothing more.

That was why the Queen seperated those titles from Andrew so he does not drag those offices and titles into ignominy.

If this story is true,I will demand that the National Human Rrght Commission(NHRC) and other humanright groups take up the case of this young man and should investigate the palace and other traditiomal rulers that may still be practicing human slavery.

All the slaves in all palaces in Nigeria must be set free for life and compensated.

Those pictures of the young boy tell a glaring but cringe-worthy story that he is a slave living as a sub-human to the Oba and this is unacceptable in this time and age.

Nelson Oghogho is not a slave!!
He is a free born citizen of Nigeria.

How do we want to move forward as a people if we still practice in this Ancient Diabolic ways of doing things.

Blue3k:


Source: http://saharareporters.com/2022/02/19/exclusive-oba-benin-modern-slavery-scandal-uses-influence-detain-palace-aide-who-served

Front page: Lalasticlala Mynd44

Lies from hell
Fake news

This is terrible, even the boy doesn't looked well nourished

Richy4:
The millions they were talking about, is it physical cash or bank transfer?... I mean #200M?

This makes more sense. even then the transaction would be flagged and individual who owned the account would be tracked down. This case will be interesting.

FreeStuffsNG:



If this story is true,I will demand that the National Human Rrght Commission(NHRC) and other humanright groups take up the case of this young man and should investigate the palace and other traditiomal rulers that may still be practicing human slavery.

All the slaves in all palaces in Nigeria must be set free and compensated.

.

Britain should not to return their bronze till they free the slaves. Can modern slavers really cry to former colonizers? On a serious note the work hours are on a child is slavery. Cracking this sort of case will be hard considering nobody wants to snitch because he's a diety in their minds. They would need incentive to tell on each other. I just wonder about the parents who sent their kid into such an environment.

The oba na God ?...which one be "he is too big to react." Him big pass prince Andrew duke of York wey dey respond to allegations. They should free the boy

Blue3k:
The defendant acted foolishly but that doesn't mean he's guilty. I do find it hard to believe he organized the theft of 200 million naira in cash without being noticed. I'm just not sure about story though.

I dont buy his slavery story considering he could of walked off the job when he was 18. Did his parents sell him into slavery and not care? If they're working you like a mule with no payment why are you there? It was foolish for him wasting his life serving this king, speaking to the police without a lawyer and signing statements without a deal in place.

how can a 20yrs old boy that barely have freedom know all these.

FreeStuffsNG:


Reading through your comment, you must think you are addressing a kindergaten class .
Please go and ask deposed Alhaji Dasuki, SLS , Andrew, the favorite son of Queen of England etc about their experience when they are found on the other side of the law and the power of the law .

If these accusations are true,ehn, the individual occupying that Oba stool is playing with fire! Just pray that boy does not die in prison. You just confirmed that the allegation of Saharareporters,known for fake news, is true by trying to insinuate that the boy deserve to be a slave.

Slavery is a huge offence in this age both internationally and locally and once that stool is tainted with the acts of modern slavery, trust me, it is then that you will know the difference between that stool and the individual sitting on it. He will have to go or commit suicide to avoid disgrace. These accusations are grave!

This is a leader who as at then was recieving the news of his triplets abi quadruplets arrival from his latest young wife , he is now the one who is being alleged of enslaving the child of another person and even seizing the properties of those old folks

You better warn the current occupier of the stool. That stool office is what is being respected o not a mortal being occupying the seat o.

You are the ones who should be warned and warn others thinking they are in the stone age of human slavery.

stroke never hold tinubu just wait

ruggedtimi:
how can a 20yrs old boy that barely have freedom know all these.

I assume he should know he had the right to leave at 18. Its hard to believe he just figured that out at 20. It's weird he calls it running instead of quiting.

godofuck231:
stroke never hold tinubu just wait

In what way does your infantile comment help the case of the palace or the poor Nelson?

You still think you are typing comments for babies. Edo no be Lagos o.

Here in Lagos, we protect human dignity and strive for excellence at all times.

If the human slavery in this report that makes any sane individual cringe should take place in Lagos,the LASG officials will be at your doorstep by now!

That is why every serious business should bring their investment to Lagos State today.

Do not invest in communities where human slavery is practised , invest in Lagos where human liberty is cherished and protected, move your investment away from localities where human slavery is practised and bring your investment to Lagos and the SouthWest.

From Badagry to Ikeja to Ikorodu,Epe and Lagos central divisions,we do not practice human slavery.

In Lagos, your investments are safe and guaranteed of great returns.

Please invest in Lagos today.

The Benin people are easily brainwashed. The Obas were known to sacrifice human beings during the peak of their powers. The last Oba in 1897 Oba Ovonramwen was said to have sacrificed over 5,000 people (in January, 1897 before the British invasion in February) when the British were approaching Benin (after 1897, the Obas are just advisers and wield no power whatsoever, an LGA chairman today is much higher). The Obas are worshipped as gods but trust me, they don't have any power more than you and I.

Britain burnt down the whole Benin in less than 4hrs, looted their palace and shrines including their highest god whom they sacrificed millions of humans to, if these Obas were spiritual and powerful, would such have happened?

Today, they are doing everything possible to restore the Benin monarchy back to it's useless glory (human sacrifices), they are giving a mere man that sleeps with numerous women and uses the toilet power over life and death. Such rubbish can never happen in any sane society.

Oba my foot, he's just a mere guy that's hustling just like everyone.

The Obas of Benin were said to have sold over 200,000 people as slaves to Portugal, they exemplified slavery to the core, they weakened all their surrounding neighbors except the Igbos obviously, I wonder what's so special about an irrelevant stool in 2022 that would warrant them being unable to face accusations and be punished for crimes against humanity.

In Benin tradition, the Oba never bows before any human because he's a living god, but he bowed before a woman here and heaven nor fall , shows we're all bloody humans afterall

I hope this is not true!

godofuck231:
If you all knew what you are getting into ,leave the oba alone , be warned , omadan (sword bearers ) are known to be terrible kids , wayward and crimey at a young age , they are taken to the palace as a way of curbing their evil excesses, its a last resort for parents in ancient times and modern , its an institution on its own to teach these kids discipline. BE WARNED

Are you sure you are okay? We are talking about a 20year old here and you are busy defending your Oba. Stupid fool

The problem with Nigeria is exemplified here,
The yorubas can't stand an Oba abusing a young person's human right, the Igbos think the idea of an oba who can do whatever pleases him to be idiotic but the benin people are proud of this nonsense because its there culture.

BENCHOKCONSULT:


Are you sure you are okay? We are talking about a 20year old here and you are busy defending your Oba. Stupid fool

you are right , am not a beni man , sorry o

FreeStuffsNG:

In what way does your infantile comment help the case of the palace or the poor Nelson?

You still think you are typing comments for babies. Edo no be Lagos o.

Here in Lagos, we protect human dignity and strive for excellence at all times.

If the human slavery in this report that makes any sane individual cringe should take place in Lagos,the LASG officials will be at your doorstep by now!

That is why every serious business should bring their investment to Lagos State today.

Do not invest in communities where human slavery is practised , invest in Lagos where human liberty is cherished and protected, move your investment away from localities where human slavery is practised and bring your investment to Lagos and the SouthWest.

From Badagry to Ikeja to Ikorodu,Epe and Lagos central divisions,we do not practice human slavery.

In Lagos, your investments are safe and guaranteed of great returns.

Please invest in Lagos today.

i am not from benin dont live there anymore, but you are right , go on sue for damages , you are very right

"They should not drag Omo n'Oba into it at all; he is too big for that. So there is no need to say the palace or the secretary should react. Let the court handle it. Please, he is too big for that," Irabor said.

Too big for what? Too big for modern day slavery or too big for detaining a young boy of 20 years.

Well I learnt Benins are in support of the obas action against the boys so who am I to offer sympathy.

Let them continue suffering.