Police nab 3 in connection with abduction, killing of 42-year-old man in Edo
Edo State Police Arrest Three in Kidnapping, Murder Case
Edo State Police Command has apprehended three individuals linked to the kidnapping and subsequent murder of 42-year-old Edafe Oghenekome. Authorities discovered Oghenekome’s remains in the Igueladidi forest, located in the Ovia West Local Government Area.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Eno Ikoedem, the command’s public relations officer, issued a statement on March 3, 2026, in Benin City, noting that the suspects abandoned Oghenekome’s body in the forest. The arrested individuals include 21-year-old Abdulsalam Mohammadu, 45-year-old Kehinde Adetunji, and 24-year-old Nasiru Yau. Ikoedem indicated that Mohammadu’s arrest led to tracing the other two suspects.
Ikoedem described Adetunji as a local member of the criminal syndicate who resides in close proximity to the victim, while Yau reportedly supplied food to the suspects while they were in hiding.
According to police reports, Oghenekome and another individual, Favour Ighasa, were kidnapped from their home in Utese village on February 4, 2026. Ighasa was released on February 9, but the kidnappers halted communication regarding Oghenekome’s release.
The case garnered significant attention after a report was filed with the police on February 11, 2026. In light of directives from Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika, investigators pursued the matter rigorously. Investigative efforts led to the arrest of Mohammadu, who divulged details about other gang members involved in the operation.
In addition to their confessions regarding the kidnapping and ransom collection, the suspects have been linked to the murder of Oghenekome. Police recovered two AK-47 rifles and three Dane guns during the investigation.
The police command has intensified efforts to locate additional members of the syndicate who remain at large. Ikoedem urged the community to stay vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information. Authorities are committed to ensuring that all individuals connected to this crime are held accountable.
