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The Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque in Edo, Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, who was abducted and subsequently set free has exposed the lie told by the police concerning how he was released.
Imam Obhakhobo was kidnapped at Uromi on July 9, with the abductors demanding N30m in ransom.
His release later by the kidnappers, the State Police Command via a statement its spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu issued, said it was owing to the pressure their officers mounted on the kidnappers.
In response, the freed cleric in an interview with newsmen said the police claim was patently false, saying the command played no part in his freedom.
Instead, the Imam declared it cost him N6.5 million in ransom to get out of the kidnappers’ den.
“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.
“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.
“My release was as a result of private efforts and the payment of substantial ransom and not the efforts of the police.”