Edo Chief Imam Pays N6.5m Ransom for Release, Disputes Police Role

Sheikh Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, the Chief Imam of the Uromi Central Mosque in Edo State, has revealed that he paid a ransom of N6.5 million to secure his freedom from kidnappers. Obhakhobo, who is also the President of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Edo-Delta Chapter, was abducted on July 9, 2025, by unknown gunmen.

The incident occurred at the Angle 90 area of Uromi, in Esan North East Local Government Area, as the cleric was on his way to buy food after attending prayers. According to family sources, the kidnappers initially demanded N30 million for his release.

Speaking to the press following his return on July 13, Imam Obhakhobo emphasized that the police played no part in securing his freedom.

ADVERTISEMENT

“I got myself released with the sum of 6.5 million naira… I’m also shocked to see a different person’s picture in one of the papers claiming it was me,” he said.

Upon his return, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Uromi Division visited to collect information about the abduction. However, the Imam expressed disappointment over reports that credited the police with his release.

“I just got information on the newspapers where the police are trying to take credit for doing nothing,” he stated.

Imam Obhakhobo made it clear that his release was solely the result of private negotiations and the payment of the ransom. He called for accurate reporting of the circumstances surrounding his ordeal.