MICHAEL AKINOLA
Police operatives from the Edo State Command have recorded a success following the arrest of three out of four suspected notorious kidnappers for allegedly kidnapping victims and collecting N75m and still wanted more from the victims.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the suspects were Asemota Osamede, 38, Michael Tomminiwe,43 and Kelly Aitoya,34.
They were apprehended shortly after kidnapping a sawmill operator, Mrs Vivian Diode, along the Benin–Auchi Road on 10th April, 2025.
They were alleged to have kidnapped multiple victims and collected ransom worth the amount in question before they kidnapped the last victim, Mrs. Diode and equally collected ransom.
While the victim was in captivity, the gang allegedly withdrew ₦1.5 million from her account before demanding and receiving another ₦6 million ransom from her family before she was released.
The Edo State Police Command confirmed the arrest of three members of a four-man gang said to have kidnapped at least 11 persons between January and April 2025 across Benin City and its environs.
However, a week after the release of Mrs. Diode, the suspects allegedly contacted her relatives again to demand an additional ₦3 million, threatening to kidnap or assassinate her if their demand was not met.
It was at that point that the family reported the matter to the Police, prompting a swift operation by the anti-cultism unit of the Command.
The three suspects were arrested while the remaining one was said to be at large and on the run.
This was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Moses Yamu, who disclosed that the suspects have confessed to belonging to a kidnapping syndicate armed with one AK-47 rifle and two pump-action guns.
He also disclosed that the investigation has been concluded and the suspects will be charged in Court for prosecution over the alleged offence under the Criminal law of the State.
The image maker stated that the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has reiterated the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, warning that criminals will find no refuge in Edo State.