Edo Kidnap Suspect Names Community CSO as Gun Supplier, Police Recover Weapons and Cash

Edo State Police have apprehended a 32-year-old man, Marvelous Isaac, who has admitted that his criminal gang procured their weapons from Liberty, identified as a chief security officer within Benin City's Oredo Community. Isaac, originally from Akwa Ibom State but residing on Ekenwa Road in the Edo State capital, was taken into custody following the abduction of a woman from a Benin City Vegetable Market on June 14.

During the operation that led to the arrests, police operatives reportedly seized N2.25 million, believed to be part of the illicit proceeds, alongside an RX 350 Lexus SUV used by the culprits, a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, and a motorcycle. According to Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, officers from the Intelligence Response Team acted on credible intelligence to effect the arrests. He further disclosed that another individual involved in the crime, known only as Precious, died during a shootout with security forces.

In interrogation footage obtained by SaharaReporters, Isaac revealed that the victim secured her release after paying an N8 million ransom, from which he personally received N1.5 million as his cut. When questioned about the firearms used in the kidnapping, Isaac stated, “It was Precious that went to the CSO because he is the owner of the guns. The CSO is in Oredo Community. His name is Liberty. His money is N1.5 million.”

Isaac further detailed that the kidnapping operation involved four gang members: himself, Precious, Wisdom, and an accomplice reportedly brought in from Delta State. He added that Precious had informed him that Liberty possessed "many" firearms and frequently rented them out to other individuals.

One of the videos reportedly captured the kidnappers operating in broad daylight. They drove to the market, targeted an SUV parked on the roadside, shot its front tyre, and forcibly removed a man from the driver’s seat. Although they initially tried to compel the man into their own vehicle and also seize the woman from the victim’s car, the man managed to escape. The woman also attempted to flee but was pursued, apprehended, and subsequently forced into the kidnappers' vehicle before they sped away.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, extended commendation to the police and other security outfits for their prompt intervention. He affirmed his administration’s commitment to escalating efforts against kidnapping and cult-related violence. The Governor also reiterated ongoing plans to establish a specialized court dedicated to handling cases of kidnapping and cultism, aimed at ensuring swift prosecution, convictions, and the imposition of death sentences by hanging for offenders.