Furniture Maker Beaten to Death in Benin, Family Demands Justice

Tragedy struck in Eyean, Benin City, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, when a furniture maker, Mr. Haruna Imuekemhe, was allegedly beaten to death by suspected cult members following a business dispute.

The deceased Mr Haruna Imuekemhe, who ran a furniture workshop along Old Agbor Road, Eyean, had earlier been contracted in April this year to re-cover some chairs. According to his family, he delivered the job about six months ago. However, on Friday, the clients reportedly returned, complaining that the chairs had “pressed down” and asked him to make amendments.

The deceased was said to have declined, insisting that the agreement was only for fabric recovery, not foam replacement. The disagreement escalated into an argument before bystanders intervened and the customers left.

Unbeknownst to Imuekemhe, the aggrieved clients allegedly returned the next day with reinforcement. Witnesses said a group of eight young men stormed his workshop, later joined by three others who arrived in an oxblood-coloured Venza SUV, bringing the total to 11.

Finding Imuekemhe absent, they reportedly attempted to cart away his tools and other valuables, but his apprentices and neighbours resisted. An eyewitness, Mr. Mathew, was allegedly attacked with an axe during the scuffle after some of the assailants brandished a cut-to-size gun and identified themselves as “axe men” and “aye men.”

When Imuekemhe eventually returned from a client’s appointment, the attackers allegedly descended on him, beating him severely until he collapsed.

A female Good Samaritan reportedly rushed the victim to multiple hospitals, including Eyean Health Centre and Narrow Way Hospital, where he was allegedly rejected. He was later taken to Edo Specialist Hospital, where doctors confirmed him dead at about 12:08 p.m.

The body has since been deposited at Stella Obasanjo Mortuary.

Three suspects have been arrested by operatives of the Ahor Police Division, while others are said to be on the run.

The bereaved family has appealed to the Edo State Government and the Commissioner of Police to ensure a thorough investigation and bring all perpetrators to justice.

“We are calling for fairness and equity in handling this case. The murder of our brother must not be swept under the carpet. Justice must prevail,” the family said in a statement.