In a shocking turn of events, the Edo State Police Command arrested an ex-convict, John Agbontean, for allegedly attempting to rob a church just two days after being released from prison. The robbery attempt took place at the Restoration Gospel Ministry, located on Oviasuyi Street, off Ogiemwenke, in Benin City.

According to SP Moses Joel Yamu, the Police Public Relations Officer, Agbontean’s arrest was linked to a robbery incident at the church. He was caught while trying to steal proceeds from the church’s end-of-year harvest thanksgiving event.

The police revealed that Agbontean had just finished serving a jail term for another crime before committing this latest offense. He was found with a cut-to-size gun at the scene, and during questioning, he admitted to being an ex-convict who had recently been released from Oko Prison in Benin City on December 19, 2024.

Agbontean confessed that he and his accomplice, known only as Ola, had planned to rob the church. While Agbontean was caught in the act, his accomplice managed to flee the scene.

This incident raises concerns about repeat offenses committed by ex-convicts and the need for more effective measures to prevent such crimes. The police are still searching for Agbontean’s accomplice, while Agbontean remains in custody awaiting further investigation.