The Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque in Edo State, Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, has refuted claims by the Nigeria Police that he was rescued from captivity, revealing instead that he regained his freedom after paying a ransom of N6.5 million to his abductors.
The cleric, who was kidnapped on July 9, 2025, along the Ubiaja-Illushi Road in Edo Central, made the disclosure during an interaction with journalists. He said he was shocked to read reports that attributed his release to police intervention.
“I was kidnapped along the Ubiaja-Illushi Road, and I got myself released by paying N6.5 million on July 13,” Imam Obhakhobo said. “But I was shocked to read in the news that I was rescued by the police.”
Earlier, the Edo State Police Command, through its spokesperson CSP Moses Yamu, had issued a statement claiming that the Imam was freed following “sustained pressure” by operatives.
Dismissing the claim as false, the Imam said, “My release was purely the result of private efforts and the payment of a substantial ransom—not police intervention.
After my return, the DPO of Uromi Division came to ask for details, which I provided. But to my dismay, they’re now trying to take credit.”
The cleric thanked members of the public for their prayers and concern during his captivity but expressed disappointment in the misleading narrative being pushed by security authorities.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over transparency in police operations and the plight of kidnap victims in Nigeria, many of whom often regain freedom through private negotiations and ransom payments rather than state intervention.
Attempts to reach the Edo Police Command for a response were unsuccessful as of press time.
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