BY ABDUL-KADIR ABDULLAH
The Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque, Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, has denied police claims surrounding his recent release from captivity, stating that he paid a ₦6.5 million ransom for his freedom and was not rescued by security operatives.
Speaking to newsmen in Uromi, Imam Obhakhobo, who was abducted on July 9, 2025, along the Ubiaja-Illushi road in Edo State, recounted his ordeal, which he said ended only after the ransom was paid on July 13.
“I am Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, the Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque in Edo Central, Edo State. I was kidnapped on the 9th of July 2025 along the Ubiaja-Illushi road,” he said.
“I got myself released with the sum of 6.5 million naira on the 13th of July 2025. I’m also shocked to see a different person’s picture in one of the papers claiming it was me.”
The Imam’s account sharply contradicts media reports based on a press statement credited to the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, Moses Yamu which implied that his release was secured through police efforts.
According to Imam Obhakhobo, the Divisional Police Officer of the Uromi Division visited him after his return to gather details of the incident.
However, he expressed disappointment at what he described as attempts by the police to take credit for a release they had no part in.
“I just got information in the newspapers where the police are trying to take credit for doing nothing,” he stated.
The Imam maintained that his release came solely through private intervention and financial negotiation with his abductors.
He, however, expressed gratitude to all those who offered prayers and showed concern during his time in captivity.
