Edo Chief Imam
Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, the Edo Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque in Edo State, has refuted claims by the police that he was rescued from his abductors. The cleric has publicly stated that he secured his release by paying a ransom of N6.5 million to his kidnappers.
The Edo Chief Imam was abducted in Uromi on July 9, 2025, with his captors initially demanding N30 million. The State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, had subsequently issued a statement asserting that the cleric was released due to “sustained pressure” from police operatives.
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The Imam’s Account of His Release
In a recent interaction with journalists, Imam Obhakhobo directly contradicted the police’s narrative, confirming he paid the ransom himself. “I am Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, the Edo Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque in Edo Central,” he declared. “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.”
The cleric further explained that upon his return from captivity, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Uromi Division visited him to gather information, which he fully provided. He expressed surprise at the police’s attempt “to take credit for doing nothing” after he had detailed the true circumstances of his release to the DPO. “My release was as a result of private efforts and the payment of substantial ransom and not the efforts of the police,” the Imam firmly stated.
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