The Edo State Police Command has successfully disrupted a kidnapping operation, resulting in the recovery of the decomposed remains of a victim, Edafe Oghenekome, aged 42, from a forested area.
According to a statement released by ASP Eno Ikoedem, the police spokesperson, on March 3, 2026, law enforcement also confiscated two AK-47 firearms during this operation.
Oghenekome, a pineapple farmer, along with a companion named Favor Ighasa, was reportedly abducted from their home in Ovia South-West Local Government Area on February 4.
The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N50 million.
Favor Ighasa was released on February 9 after the payment of a ransom, but the kidnappers stopped communicating concerning Oghenekome's release.
Following an investigation, the police arrested one Abdulsalam Mohammadu.
During interrogation, the suspect revealed that other individuals were involved, including Kehinde Adetunji, identified as the local informant.
In the statement, it was noted, “The Edo State Police Command has achieved a significant breakthrough in the investigation regarding the kidnapping case reported to the command on February 11, 2026.”
The report details that on February 4, 2026, both Edafe Oghenekome and Favor Ighasa were kidnapped from their residence in Utese Village, located after Udo Community within the Ovia South-West area of Edo State.
Ighasa was set free on February 9, 2026, while the abductors went silent about Oghenekome's status.
Police operations, in line with directives from the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, fdc, aimed at thoroughly investigating each kidnapping case, led to further inquiries. These efforts resulted in the apprehension of Abdulsalam Mohammadu, 21 years, who then disclosed other members of the gang, including Kehinde Adetunji, 45, from the local community, along with Nasiru Yau, 24, who provided them with food in hiding.
All the apprehended individuals have confessed to their roles in the kidnapping, ransom collection, and the murder of Edafe Oghenekome.
Ongoing investigations led to the seizure of two AK-47 rifles with serial numbers 1686 and 2357, in addition to three Dane guns.
Further diligent investigation also uncovered the remains of Edafe in the Igueladidi forest of Iguobazuwa, where the body had been left to decompose.
The Edo State Police are actively working to capture additional members of the kidnap syndicate who remain at large.
The Command has reassured the public that every individual involved in this grave offense will be brought to justice, urging residents to remain alert and assist security agencies with timely, credible information.
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