Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have dismantled a suspected kidnap syndicate operating in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, recovering arms and the decomposed body of a 42-year-old victim, Edafe Oghenekome, weeks after his abduction.
The remains of the victim were discovered in the Igueladidi forest in Iguobazuwa, bringing a tragic end to the February 4, 2026 kidnapping that had gripped Utesi Community with anxiety.
Oghenekome was abducted alongside Favour Ighasa from their residence in Utesi Village, after Udo Community.
While Ighasa regained her freedom five days later, communication from the abductors concerning Oghenekome reportedly ceased after ransom negotiations, leaving his family and neighbours in prolonged uncertainty.
Police investigations later revealed that the victim was allegedly shot dead by his captors.
Sources indicated that the killing may have followed an incident in which Oghenekome identified one of the suspects, said to be someone known to him, after a mask allegedly slipped off during captivity.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the breakthrough was achieved following a directive by the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, mandating a thorough probe of all kidnapping cases in the state.
According to him, the operation led to the arrest of Abdulsalam Mohammadu, 21, who allegedly confessed and provided information that resulted in the apprehension of other members of the gang.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of Kehinde Adetunji, 45, identified as the local informant who acted as a pointer, and Nasiru Yau, 24, who supplied food to the gang while they kept the victims in the bush,” she stated.
The police spokesperson said the suspects admitted their roles in the abduction, ransom collection and the subsequent murder of Oghenekome.
During the operation, officers recovered two AK-47 rifles with breach numbers 1686 and 2357, as well as three Dane guns believed to have been used by the syndicate.
The Command disclosed that efforts were ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the gang and assured residents that all those connected to the crime would be apprehended and prosecuted.
Meanwhile, the recovery of the victim’s remains has plunged Utesi Community into mourning, even as residents expressed cautious relief over the arrests and the police assurance of justice.
