The Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque in Edo State, Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, has denied claims by the Edo State Police Command that he was rescued from his abductors, stating that he actually paid a N6.5 million ransom to secure his freedom.
Imam Obhakhobo was kidnapped on July 9, 2025, along the Ubiaja-Illushi road, with his kidnappers initially demanding N30 million for his release.
Despite the police’s claim of rescuing him through sustained pressure, the cleric revealed that his release was facilitated by private efforts and payment of the ransom, which he found surprising given the police’s assertion of their involvement.
