Summary: Edo State Police Command arrests kidnap syndicate members and recovers body of murdered pineapple farmer, Edafe Oghenekome, from Igueladidi forest after ransom ordeal.
The Edo State Police Command has dealt a crushing blow to criminal elements operating in the state, smashing a deadly kidnap syndicate and recovering the decomposing remains of a 42-year-old pineapple farmer from a forest in Iguobazuwa.
The victim, identified as Edafe Oghenekome, met his tragic end at the hands of his abductors despite his family’s efforts to secure his release. The breakthrough in the case was announced by the Command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, in a statement released on March 3, 2026.
The Kidnapping Ordeal
According to police investigation, trouble started on February 4, 2026, when gunmen stormed Utese Village in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State. The criminals abducted Oghenekome alongside one Favor Ighasa from their residence after Udo Community.
The kidnappers, displaying the ruthlessness that has become characteristic of such criminal gangs, demanded a whopping N50 million ransom for the release of their victims.
Ighasa, the female victim, regained her freedom on February 9 after ransom payment. However, the fate of Oghenekome took a darker turn as the abductors suddenly stopped all communication regarding his release—a development that sent chills down the spine of his anxious family members.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Following the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, fdc, that every kidnapping case must be investigated to its logical conclusion, operatives launched a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
The sustained efforts paid off when detectives arrested 21-year-old Abdulsalam Mohammadu, whose confession opened up the entire criminal network.
Mohammadu’s revelations led to the arrest of other gang members, including:
– Kehinde Adetunji, a 45-year-old indigene of the community who served as the syndicate’s local informant (pointer)
– Nasiru Yau, 24, who was responsible for supplying food to the gang in the bush
The arrest of an insider like Adetunji highlights a disturbing trend where community members collaborate with criminals to terrorize their own people—a betrayal that has become all too common in kidnapping cases across the country.
Weapons Recovery and Grim Discovery
All arrested suspects have confessed to their involvement in the kidnapping, ransom collection, and the murder of Edafe Oghenekome.
During the investigation, police operatives recovered a cache of weapons from the syndicate, including:
– Two AK-47 rifles (with breach numbers 1686 and 2357)
– Three Dane guns
The most heartbreaking development came when further investigation led detectives to Igueladidi forest in Iguobazuwa, where they discovered the decomposing remains of the slain farmer. The victim had been left to rot in the bush after his murder.
Ongoing Investigation
The Edo State Police Command has intensified efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate who remain at large. The Command gave assurances that all persons connected to this heinous crime will face the full wrath of the law.
Call for Community Vigilance
In the statement, police urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information. This appeal is particularly important given that insider collaboration, as seen in this case, often enables such criminal activities.
The successful bust of this kidnap syndicate serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies are committed to tackling the security challenges facing Edo State and the nation at large. However, the tragic death of Oghenekome underscores the brutal reality of kidnapping in Nigeria and the urgent need for more proactive security measures to protect citizens.
The case also highlights the importance of community cooperation with security agencies—without insider information, many of these criminals would continue to operate with impunity.
As investigations continue, the people of Edo State will be watching keenly to ensure that justice is fully served for the late Edafe Oghenekome and his grieving family.
Want more details? check buzzUp9ja
Be the first to comment