By Deborah Nnamdi
The Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque, Sheik Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, has publicly refuted claims by the Edo State Police Command that he was freed from captivity due to pressure mounted by security operatives.
Speaking to journalists in his hometown, Obhakhobo revealed that his release on July 13, 2025, came only after his family paid a ransom of N6.5 million to his abductors — not as a result of police intervention.
“I was kidnapped on July 7 along the Ubiaja-Illushi road. I regained my freedom after a ransom payment of N6.5 million was made. The police had no hand in my release,” the cleric stated.
The Imam, who also serves as the President of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) for the Edo-Delta Chapter, was abducted shortly after observing one of the Muslim obligatory prayers around 2 p.m. near his home in the Angle 80 area of Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area.
Following his abduction, the kidnappers reportedly demanded N30 million as ransom.
However, in a press release issued on July 14, the Edo State Police Command claimed the Imam was freed due to the “intense and sustained pressure” mounted by its operatives.
Police spokesperson, Moses Yamu, noted that tactical teams and local vigilantes were deployed immediately after the incident was reported.
“The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the operatives for their efforts and assured that no stone would be left unturned in apprehending the culprits,” the statement read.
The Imam dismissed the police account as false and misleading.
“I am dismayed by the police’s attempt to take credit for my release. Their claim is baseless. The only involvement they had was when the DPO of Uromi visited me after my release to ask questions,” he said.
He also criticized the media for circulating a photo of a different individual identified as him in some reports.
Despite his criticism of the authorities, Sheik Obhakhobo expressed deep gratitude to the public for their prayers, concern, and support during his captivity.
The Edo State Police Command has yet to respond to the Imam’s claims.
