A 32-year-old suspected kidnapper, Marvelous Isaac, has alleged that firearms used by his gang were rented from a community security chief identified as Liberty, the Chief Security Officer of Oredo Community in Benin City, Edo State.
Isaac, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State who resides on Ekenwa Road in Benin City, was arrested by operatives of the Edo State Police Command in connection with the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market in Benin City on June 14, 2026.
According to the police, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) acted on credible intelligence to track down members of the kidnapping syndicate. During the operation, security personnel recovered an RX 350 Lexus SUV allegedly used in the crime, a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, a motorcycle, and N2.25 million suspected to be proceeds from criminal activities.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, disclosed that another member of the gang, identified as Precious, was killed during a gun duel with security operatives.
Speaking during interrogation, Isaac confessed that the gang collected an N8 million ransom before releasing their victim. He claimed to have received N1.5 million as his share of the proceeds and further alleged that the firearms used for the operation were sourced through Liberty, whom he described as the owner of the weapons.
According to him, “Precious told me that there are many guns at Liberty’s place,” adding that the weapons were allegedly rented out to various individuals for criminal operations.
The suspect revealed that four persons participated in the kidnapping operation, namely himself, Precious, Wisdom, and another accomplice allegedly recruited from Delta State.
Police investigations showed that the gang carried out the abduction in broad daylight. The suspects reportedly intercepted an SUV near the Vegetable Market, shot one of its tyres, and attempted to force both occupants into their vehicle. While the male victim managed to escape, the woman was allegedly abducted and taken away before the gang fled the scene.
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has commended the police and other security agencies for their swift response in tackling the crime. The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to combating kidnapping and cult-related activities across the state and announced plans to establish a special court to ensure the speedy prosecution and sentencing of suspects involved in such offences.
Police authorities said investigations are ongoing, particularly into the allegations made against the community security chief, while efforts are also underway to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.