By THE Chief Imam of the Uromi Central Mosque in Edo State, Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, has denied claims that he was rescued by the Edo State Police Command, adding that he paid N6.5million as ransom for his freedom.
The cleric was abducted along the Ubiaja-Illushi road on July 9, 2025. His kidnappers had initially demanded N30 million for his release, according to earlier reports.
Recall that the Edo State Police Command, had, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, claimed that his release followed a sustained pressure mounted by police operatives.
However, speaking to journalists in Uromi, the Chief Imam dismissed the police account as untrue.
“I am Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, the Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque in Edo Central. I was kidnapped on July 9, 2025, along the Ubiaja-Illushi road,” he recounted.
“I got myself released by paying N6.5 million on July 13, but I was shocked to read in the news that I was rescued by the police.”
The cleric disclosed that upon his return, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Uromi Division visited him to gather information about his ordeal, which he provided.
“After explaining what transpired to the DPO, I was surprised to see the police trying to take credit for doing nothing,” he said.
“My release was as a result of private efforts and the payment of substantial ransom, not the efforts of the police.”
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