Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, the recently abducted Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque in Edo State, has disclosed that over ₦6.5 million was paid to secure his release—contrary to earlier claims made by the police.
Obhakhobo, who was kidnapped in Uromi on July 9, stated that his captors initially demanded a ransom of ₦30 million before negotiations led to his eventual release.
However, he was released by the kidnappers on July 13.
The Edo Police Command had in a subsequent statement claimed credit for freeing the chief Imam.
CSP Moses Yamu, in a statement said Obhakhobo was freed as a result of the pressured piled on his kidnappers by police operatives deployed to rescue him.
But Obhakhobo who recounted how he was abducted on July, 9, 2025 along the Ubiaja-Illushi road in a chat with journalists said police lied about the claim that they rescued him.
He said he was shocked by the claim of the police.
“I got myself released by paying N6.5 million on July 13, but I was shocked to read in the news that I was rescued by the police,” the Chief Imam said.
Obhakhobo said when he was freed, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Uromi Division visited him to gather information and he provided the information.
But he said he was surprised to see the police “trying to take credit for doing nothing” after the visit of the DPO.
“My release was as a result of private efforts and the payment of substantial ransom and not the efforts of the police,” the Chief Imam said while expressing appreciation to those who contributed to his freedom.
