Police Arrest Three Over Kidnap, Murder of Edo Man

The Edo State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the abduction and killing of 42-year-old Edafe Oghenekome.

The decomposed remains of the victim were discovered in a forested area near Iguobazuwa, in Ovia West Local Government Area of Edo State.

Police spokesperson ASP Eno Ikoedem, speaking in Benin City on March 3, 2026, said the suspects allegedly abandoned Oghenekome’s body in the bush after killing him.

Those arrested were identified as Abdulsalam Mohammadu, 21; Kehinde Adetunji, 45; and Nasiru Yau, 24. According to the police, Mohammadu was apprehended first and subsequently provided information that led to the arrest of the others.

Investigators allege that Adetunji acted as a local informant for the kidnapping syndicate and is an indigene of the same community as the deceased, while Yau was said to have supplied food to the gang in their forest hideout.

Police said Oghenekome and a woman, Favour Ighasa, were kidnapped from their residence in Utese Village, Ovia South-West Local Government Area, on February 4, 2026. Ighasa reportedly regained her freedom on February 9, but communication from the abductors concerning Oghenekome later ceased.

The Command stated that under the directive of Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika, the case was pursued vigorously until breakthroughs were made.

According to Ikoedem, the suspects have allegedly confessed to involvement in both the kidnapping and the murder, as well as ransom collection. Further investigations led to the recovery of three Dane guns and two AK-47 rifles from the group.

Police say efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate who remain at large, assuring the public that all those connected to the crime will be brought to justice.