Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Three suspected kidnappers who allegedly abducted 10 victims between January 2024 and April 2025 and collected over N75 million from the victims and their families in Edo State are currently singing like Canary birds in police dragnet, marking an end to their enterprise in the state.
The suspects identified as Asemota Osamede (38), Michael Tomminiwei (43) and Kelly Aitoya (34), are said to have belongd to a four-man kidnapping gang that have been terrorizing Benin City and environs.
They allegedly kidnapped about 10 victims between January 2024 and April 2025, and have collected over N75 million from the various victims and their families.
They, however, met their end on April 10, 2025, when they kidnapped one Mrs Vivian Diode, who operates a saw mill at Eayan, a suburb community along the Benin-Auchi road, Benin City.
The kidnappers reportedly forcefully collected N1.5 million from her bank account while in captivity and also collected N6 million ransom from her family members before releasing her.
About a week after releasing the victim, the suspects reportedly called the family members again and demanded additional N3 million with a threat to kidnap her again or assassinate her if they failed to pay the money.
Following the threat, the family reported the incident to the police and the anti cultism unit of the command swiftly responded and in the process arrested the three suspects.
It was further gathered that during investigation, it was discovered that aside Vivian, the suspects have successfully kidnapped 10 persons and have collected over N75 million in ransom between January 2024 and April 2025.
The State Police Command Spokesman, CSP Moses Yamu, who confirmed the incident, said the suspects confessed belonging to a four-man kidnapping gang operating with one Ak47 riffle and two pump action gun in Benin City.
He said that investigation has been completed and the suspect would be charged to Court.
“The case concerning the kidnap of Vivian, the suspects have been arrested and investigations completed, they would be charged to Court,” Yamu added.