Police

The Edo State Police Command has arrested four suspects and neutralised one alleged kidnapper in connection with the abduction incident that occurred at the Vegetable Market in Benin City on June 14, 2026. The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP…...

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Eno Ikoedem.

According to the statement, three additional suspects were apprehended on June 20, adding to one earlier arrest, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to four.

The statement read, “The Edo State Police Command wishes to update the general public on its breakthrough into the investigation of the kidnapping incident which occurred at the Vegetable Market off Airport Road in Benin City on June 14, 2026.

“Following the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, and acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Edo, launched a coordinated operation which led to the arrest of one Marvelous Isaac, male, 32 years, on 18/6/2026 in a gun duel while another suspect identified simply as Precious (surname unknown) was neutralised in the process.

“Items recovered from the suspects included one Lexus RX 350 SUV with registration number EKP 848 AE, red in colour, which was confessed to have been used in the kidnapping operation; one pump-action shotgun; two live cartridges; a cash sum of ₦2,050,000; and one motorcycle.

“The operatives on 20/6/2026 further arrested additional members of the organised crime syndicate, namely Gift Raphael, female, 27 years; who further led to the arrest of wisdom Michael, male; and Rufus Michael, male, during separate operations conducted within Benin City and parts of Delta State.

“All suspects have made confessional statements linking them to the incident and other criminal operations within the state.”

The Commissioner of Police praised the operatives involved in the operation for their professionalism, bravery and commitment in tracking down members of the criminal syndicate.

He reassured residents that the command remains determined to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure that all those involved are apprehended and prosecuted.

The police also called on members of the public to continue providing useful and timely information to security agencies, while urging residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious in their daily activities.