The Edo State Police Command has apprehended three members of a four-man kidnapping gang who extorted over ₦75 million in ransom from 11 victims between January and April 2025.
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According to a report by Daily Post, the spokesperson for the Command, Moses Yamu, confirmed the arrests during a press briefing in Benin City.
The arrested suspects—Asemota Osamede (38), Michael Tomminiwei (43), and Kelly Aitoya (34)—had been terrorizing residents in Benin and surrounding areas.
Yamu revealed that the syndicate’s latest victim, Mrs. Vivian Diode, a sawmill operator, was kidnapped along the Benin-Auchi Road on April 10, 2025.
While in captivity, the gang withdrew ₦1.5 million from her bank account and collected another ₦6 million in ransom from her family before releasing her.
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Shockingly, just a week after her release, the kidnappers called the family again, demanding an additional ₦3 million, threatening to re-kidnap or assassinate the victim if their demand wasn’t met.
The family promptly reported the threat to the Anti-Cultism Unit, which swiftly launched an operation, leading to the successful arrest of the three suspects.
Investigations revealed that the gang used one AK-47 rifle and two pump-action shotguns for their operations.
Yamu confirmed that the suspects confessed to the crimes and will be charged in court.
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The Edo Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, assured residents of the command’s dedication to protecting lives and property, adding that there is no hiding place for criminals in the state.
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