By Emmanuel Abi Couson
Chief Imam of the Uromi Central Mosque in Edo State, Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, who was kidnapped on July 9 and 13 released has faulted claims of being rescued by the Edo State Police Command.
Speaking with journalist he said “I got myself released by paying N6.5 million on July 13, but I was shocked to read in the news that I was rescued by the police.”
The cleric disclosed that upon his return, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Uromi Division visited him to gather information about his ordeal, which he provided.
“After explaining what transpired to the DPO, I was surprised to see the police trying to take credit for doing nothing,” he said.My release was as a result of private efforts and the payment of substantial ransom, not the efforts of the police.”
The cleric was abducted along the Ubiaja-Illushi road on July 9, 2025. His kidnappers had initially demanded N30 million for his release, according to earlier reports.
It would be recalled that the Edo State Police Command had in a statement signed by its spokesperson,CSP Moses Yamu, claimed that his release followed a sustained pressure mounted by police operatives.
