Police Arrest More Than 13 Suspects in Kidnapping, Cultism, Murder, and Armed Robbery Cases

More than 13 individuals were presented by the Edo State Police Command as suspects in cases involving kidnapping, cultism, murder, armed robbery, and the spread of false news.

The suspects were shown by State Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika in the presence of Governor Monday Okpebholo at the Command Headquarters.

According to the DAILY POST, the individuals paraded included 45‑year‑old Oluchi Ugbowan, Musa Haruna, Bali Sule, Mohammed Sani, Adamu Jafaru, Mohammed Hashiru, and 32‑year‑old Marvelous Isaac, who are alleged to have participated in kidnapping and murder.

Other names listed were Matthew Igbinoba (40), Ovie Freedom (29), Lucky Iyokhuo (29), Bright Odaro (28), and 42‑year‑old Ernest Ugbomoiko (42), who are accused of armed robbery, cultism, and false news peddling.

Commissioner Agbonika explained that Oluchi Ugbowan was taken into custody by officers of the Anti‑Kidnapping Unit after she allegedly plotted her own abduction to extort N50 million from her family.

He said that on 6 May 2026, the Anti‑Kidnapping Unit uncovered a self‑kidnapping scheme orchestrated by Ugbowan, who conspired with accomplices to stage her own abduction for ransom.

“Technical intelligence led to the arrest of Israel Ability (28), who admitted to making ransom calls on her instructions,” the commissioner said.

“The supposed victim was located and arrested in a hotel in Obiaruku, Delta State, where she confessed to the crime.”

“Further investigation recovered a pump‑action gun used in videos created by Chukwudem Uwadia of Kwale, Delta State, and his son, Chibuzor Chukwudem (18),” he added.

Matthew Igbinoba, aged 40, was also presented as a suspect for allegedly robbing Ebuka Ewere, a point‑of‑sale operator, at Murtala Muhammed Way, Sokponba Road, Benin City.

Agbonika said the suspect shot the victim in the left leg and took N500,000.

He noted that high‑tech security tracking enabled the VCRU to arrest the suspect, who has since confessed and is now helping investigators locate other gang members.

The Command further explained that three suspects were arrested and presented for cultism, and a locally manufactured cut‑to‑size pistol was recovered from them.

Agbonika named the suspects as Ovie Freedom, Lucky Iyokhuo, and Bright Odaro, all of whom have admitted membership in the Vikings secret cult group.

Ernest Ugbomoiko, 42, from Afuze Community, was also paraded for allegedly spreading false information about kidnappings in state schools.

While refuting the alleged kidnapping of schoolchildren in Afuze, Ehor, Otuo, Agbede, and Igueben, the Police Commissioner confirmed that no such incident occurred anywhere in the state.

He warned that misinformation can cause public panic and urged caution against its spread.