Edo kidnap suspect confesses: “We rented guns from Community Security Chief” in ₦8m abduction case

Summary

• Edo kidnapping suspect Marvellous Isaac claims the gang rented firearms from a community security chief during the ₦8m abduction in Benin City.

• Police recover cash, weapons, and an SUV and arrest suspects after an intelligence-led operation, while one gang member is killed in a gun battle.

• Governor Okpebholo vows stronger anti-kidnapping measures, including special courts for faster prosecution and sentencing.

A kidnapping suspect arrested in Edo State, Marvellous Isaac, has alleged that the weapons used by his gang were obtained from a community security chief in Benin City, in a case linked to an ₦8 million abduction.

Isaac, 32, who says he is originally from Akwa Ibom State but resides on Ekenwa Road in Benin City, was apprehended following the kidnapping of a woman at the Vegetable Market in the city on June 14.

In a video interrogation released by authorities and obtained by SaharaReporters, Isaac claimed that firearms used for the operation were not owned by the gang but were allegedly sourced through a Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Oredo Community, identified as Liberty.

He said a fellow gang member, Precious, who was later killed during a confrontation with police, facilitated access to the weapons.

According to him, the group received ₦8 million as ransom payment from the victim’s family, from which Liberty, the Community Security Chief, personally got ₦1.5 million.

Isaac further claimed the gang operated as a four-man unit, including himself, Precious, another suspect identified as Wisdom, and a fourth member reportedly recruited from Delta State.

He also alleged that the CSO had multiple firearms, which were made available to different users.

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Police accounts and video evidence show the gang carried out a brazen daytime operation at the busy Vegetable Market in Benin City.

The attackers reportedly arrived in an RX 350 Lexus SUV, targeted a parked vehicle, and shot at its tyre to immobilise it before dragging out a male occupant.

While attempting to force both the man and a female companion into their getaway vehicle, the man managed to escape in the chaos. The woman initially fled as well but was chased down, recaptured, and taken away.

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The Edo State Police Command said the suspects were arrested following intelligence-led operations carried out by the Intelligence Response Team.

Authorities confirmed that a coordinated response led to multiple recoveries, including:

• ₦2.25 million in cash

• A Lexus RX 350 SUV allegedly used in the operation

• A pump-action shotgun

• Two live cartridges

• Additional ₦2.25 million believed to be crime proceeds

• A motorcycle

Police also confirmed that one suspect, identified as Precious, died during a gun duel with operatives during the arrest operation.

Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika said the arrests were made after credible intelligence linked the suspects to the abduction incident.

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Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo praised security agencies for the swift operation and reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and violent crime.

He also restated plans to set up a special court dedicated to kidnapping and cult-related offences, aimed at speeding up prosecution and strengthening penalties for convicted offenders.

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