Police arrest suspected abductor of woman in Benin market, neutralise one accomplice
Edo Police Arrest Suspect in Woman’s Abduction at Benin Vegetable Market
The Edo State Police Command has apprehended a 32-year-old man, Marvelous Isaac, in connection with the alleged abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market in Benin City. The incident occurred on Sunday, June 14, 2026, while the victim was shopping after attending church with her family.
Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika announced the arrest during a press conference on Thursday, June 18, 2026. He reported that one suspect was killed during the rescue operation aimed at freeing the abducted woman, while two others managed to escape.
Agbonika stated that Isaac was detained by operatives from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Edo, acting on reliable intelligence. During the operation, another suspect known only as Precious was neutralized after a gunfight with police.
Authorities seized several items during the operation, including a red Lexus RX 350, which Isaac reportedly confessed was used in the kidnapping. Other recovered items included a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, a cash sum of 2,250,000 Naira believed to be proceeds of crime, and a motorcycle.
Agbonika indicated that investigations are ongoing, with efforts being made to track down additional fleeing suspects.
In related developments, five individuals—Musa Haruna, Bali Sule, Mohammed Sani, Adamu Jafaru, and Mohammed Hashiru—were also arrested concerning attacks on Young Shall Grow Motors, GUO Motors, and Akwa Ibom State Transport Company vehicles along the Benin-Lagos Road near Ogwa community.
Following extensive investigations, Haruna confessed to being part of a seven-member kidnapping syndicate responsible for multiple abductions in the area. He guided police to Ogwa Forest, where two decomposing bodies of victims were recovered.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrests of Sule, Sani, Jafaru, and Hashiru in Ogun State, all of whom admitted their involvement in the crimes.
