Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have dismantled a suspected kidnap syndicate, arresting three suspects and recovering two AK-47 rifles and three Dane guns in a breakthrough operation in Ovia South-West Local Government Area.
The arrests followed weeks of investigation into the abduction of 42-year-old Edafe Oghenekome, who was kidnapped alongside Favor Ighasa from their residence in Utese Village near Udo Community on February 4, 2026.
While Ighasa regained her freedom five days later, communication with the kidnappers over Oghenekome’s release abruptly ceased, raising fears about his fate.
Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, detectives intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering, leading to the arrest of 21-year-old Abdulsalam Mohammadu. During interrogation, he reportedly exposed other members of the gang.
Two additional suspects — Kehinde Adetunji, 45, alleged to be the group’s local informant, and Nasiru Yau, 24 — were subsequently apprehended.
Police sources said the suspects confessed to participating in the abduction, ransom collection, and the killing of the victim.
In a grim discovery, Oghenekome’s remains were later found in a forest in Iguobazuwa, bringing a tragic end to the ordeal of the father of two.
Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing to track down any remaining accomplices, vowing that all those involved will face the full weight of the law.
The latest crackdown underscores renewed efforts by the Edo State Police Command to combat kidnapping and violent crime across the state.
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