Edo: I Paid N6.5 Million Ransom To Regain Freedom – Kidnapped Imam Debunks Police Claims

Sheikh Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, Chief Imam of the Uromi Central Mosque, has refuted the Edo State Police Command’s claim that his release from captivity was a result of intense and sustained pressure from its operatives.

Recall that the Chief Imam was kidnapped July 7, 2025 shortly after observing one of the Muslim obligatory prayers at about 2 pm.

The Chief Imam is also the President, Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, MSSN, Edo-Delta Chapter.

He was kidnapped at the Angle 80 area of Uromi in Esan North-East Local Government Area of the state.

He was reported to have been forcefully taken away by gunmen when he stepped out to buy food for his family near his residence shortly after the prayer.

It was also gathered that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N30 million from his family for his release.

However, the Edo State Police Command in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday, July 14, 2025, said the Cleric has been released due to intense and sustained pressure by operatives of the Command.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Command, Moses Yamu, said the Commissioner of Police in the State, Monday Agbonika, commended the efforts of the operatives involved in the operation.

He said the commissioner assured the public that no stone would be left unturned in identifying and apprehending those behind the kidnapping.

“The Edo State Police Command is pleased to inform the public that Moritada Obhakhoboh the Chief Imam of Uromi was released by his abductors on 13th July 2025 due to the intense and sustained pressure mounted by our operatives.

“He has since been reunited with his family and is in stable condition.

“The kidnapping occurred on 7th July 2025 at the Angle 80 area of Uromi and was reported to the Uromi Divisional Police Headquarters on 8th July 2025.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Command immediately launched a robust manhunt for the perpetrators, deploying tactical teams and collaborating with local vigilantes to track down the assailants with a view to rescuing the victim unhurt and bringing the culprits to justice”, Yamu stated.

Reacting,  the Chief Imam said there was no iota of truth in the claim by the Police, saying that he paid N6.5million ransom to his abductors.

Obhakhobo said he regained freedom by paying ransom and not through the efforts and intervention of the police.

The Cleric, who spoke in his hometown, said he was abducted along the Ubiaja-Illushi road of the State.

“I was kidnapped on July 7, 2025 along the Ubiaja-Illushi road. I got myself released with the payment of N6.5 million on July 13, 2025.

“I’m also shocked to see a different person’s picture in one of the papers claiming it was me.

“On getting home upon my release, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Uromi Division visited me to gather information, which I provided.

“My release was a result of private efforts and the payment of a substantial ransom”, he said.

He, however, expressed dismay that the police are taking credit for what they did not do.

“I just got information on the newspapers where the police are trying to take credit for doing nothing”, he added.

The Imam, however, expressed appreciation to all those that prayed for his safety and release, as well as showed concerns during the period.