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.
Isaac, who hails from Akwa Ibom State but resides on Ekenwa Road in Benin City, was arrested by the Edo State Police Command following the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market on June 14.
According to the police, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team acted on credible intelligence to track down the suspects. 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 believed to be proceeds from criminal activities.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, disclosed that another gang member, identified as Precious, was killed during a gun battle with security operatives.
During interrogation, Isaac claimed that the gang collected an N8 million ransom before releasing their victim and that he received N1.5 million as his share. He further alleged that the firearms used in the operation were sourced through Liberty, whom he described as the owner of the weapons.
“According to Precious, guns at Liberty’s place are many,” Isaac said, claiming that the weapons were also rented out to other individuals.
The suspect said four people participated in the kidnapping: himself, Precious, Wisdom, and another accomplice allegedly brought in from Delta State.
Police investigations indicate that the gang carried out the abduction in broad daylight. The suspects reportedly intercepted an SUV near the market, shot at one of its tyres, and attempted to force both occupants into their vehicle. While the male victim escaped, the woman was allegedly captured and taken away before the gang fled the scene.
Meanwhile, Governor Monday Okpebholo has commended the police and other security agencies for their swift response. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and cult-related crimes and announced plans to establish a special court to handle such cases with accelerated prosecution and sentencing procedures.
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