Edo Chief Imam contradicts police: says N6.5m ransom, not police effort, secured his release

The Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque in Edo State, Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, has openly refuted police claims that he was rescued from kidnappers, revealing instead that ₦6.5 million was paid to secure his release.

The cleric, who was abducted on July 9, 2025, along the Ubiaja-Illushi Road, made the clarification during an interactive session with journalists, saying he was stunned to read police reports crediting his freedom to their intervention.

“I am Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, the Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque in Edo Central. I was kidnapped on July 9, 2025, along the Ubiaja-Illushi road,”

“I got myself released by paying ₦6.5 million on July 13, but I was shocked to read in the news that I was rescued by the police,” he said.

Earlier, the Edo State Police Command had issued a statement signed by its spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, claiming the cleric was freed through “sustained pressure mounted by operatives.”

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However, Imam Obhakhobo described the narrative as misleading and said he had personally briefed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Uromi Division on the true circumstances of his release shortly after regaining freedom.

“Upon my return, the DPO visited me and I narrated everything that happened. But I was surprised to see the police trying to take credit for doing nothing. My release was as a result of private efforts and the payment of substantial ransom, not the efforts of the police,” he insisted.

Despite his disappointment with the police’s public statement, the Imam expressed gratitude to all who prayed and stood by him during his ordeal.

“I sincerely appreciate everyone who showed concern and prayed for my safe return while I was in captivity.”

The cleric’s revelation raises serious questions about transparency in official security communications and highlights the ongoing challenge of kidnapping in parts of Nigeria.

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