The Edo State Police Command has recovered the body of a 42-year-old man who was abducted from his home last month, dismantling the kidnapping syndicate responsible for his death in a series of raids that led to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of two AK-47 rifles.
The victim, identified as Edafe Oghenekome, a father of one, was kidnapped alongside Favour Ighasa on February 4 from their residence in Utese Village, near Udo Community in Ovia South-West Local Government Area.
According to a statement from the Command on Wednesday, while Ms Ighasa regained her freedom after five days in captivity, Mr Oghenekome’s fate took a tragic turn.
Police reports indicate that after a ransom was paid, the abductors cut off all communication, leaving the family in a state of agonising uncertainty.
Determined to unravel the case, Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika ordered a full-scale investigation.
The breakthrough came with the arrest of 21-year-old Abdulsalam Mohammadu, whose confession led operatives to other key members of the gang.
Subsequent arrests included Kehinde Adetunji, described as a local “pointer” or informant for the syndicate within the community, and Nasiru Yau, who is alleged to have been responsible for supplying food to the gang while they were hiding in the forest.
Following the suspects’ leads, police operatives moved into the Igueladidi forest in Iguobazuwa, where they made the grim discovery of Mr Oghenekome’s body, which had been left there by his captors.
The police statement confirmed that the suspects have confessed not only to the kidnapping and collection of ransom but also to the murder of Mr Oghenekome.
A subsequent search of the gang’s hideout led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles with breach numbers 1686 and 2357, as well as three Dane guns.
The Commissioner has assured residents that the police are not relenting in their efforts. “
Operations are ongoing to track down fleeing members of the syndicate,” the statement read.
“We assure the public that everyone connected to this heinous crime will be brought to justice.”
