The Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque, Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, has refuted claims by the Edo State Police Command that he was rescued from kidnappers, revealing instead that he regained freedom after paying a ransom of ₦6.5 million.
Imam Obhakhobo was abducted on July 9 along the Ubiaja-Illushi Road in Edo Central, with his captors reportedly demanding ₦30 million for his release.
In a statement released shortly after his return, the Edo State Police, through its spokesperson CSP Moses Yamu, credited the cleric’s release to “sustained pressure” mounted by police operatives. However, during an interactive session with journalists, the Imam offered a conflicting account.
“I am Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, the Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque in Edo Central. I was kidnapped on July 9, 2025, and I got myself released by paying ₦6.5 million on July 13,” he said. “I was shocked to read in the news that I was rescued by the police.”
According to him, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Uromi visited him after his release to collect details of the incident. “I told him everything that happened. So, I’m surprised the police are trying to take credit for doing nothing,” he added.
The cleric emphasized that his freedom was secured through private negotiation and financial sacrifice, not any operational intervention by the police. Despite his ordeal, Imam Obhakhobo expressed deep gratitude to members of the public who prayed for his safe return and supported his family during the traumatic period.
The police have yet to respond to the Imam’s statement as questions mount over transparency and accountability in the handling of kidnap incidents in the state.
