A suspected kidnapper has confessed to taking part in a recent abduction in Edo State, revealing how his gang allegedly collected an ₦8 million ransom from the victim’s family and shared the proceeds among members.
The suspect, identified as Marvelous Marvelous, made the confession while being paraded alongside other suspects at the Edo State Police Command on Thursday. Speaking during interrogation, he admitted his involvement in the operation and disclosed how the kidnapping was planned and executed.
According to him, two associates approached him with a proposal to abduct a woman for ransom. He agreed to join the operation, which eventually led to the victim’s family paying ₦8 million to secure her release.
“Two boys came to me, one named Obaseki. They said they wanted to kidnap a woman. I agreed. We kidnapped the woman and her family paid ₦8 million ransom. My share was ₦1 million,” he said.
Marvelous further claimed that part of the ransom money was used to purchase a motorcycle and ammunition. He also alleged that the gang had been involved in other kidnapping operations across the state.
The confession came as Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s determination to tackle kidnapping and cult-related violence. Witnessing the parade of suspects, the governor declared that the state would no longer tolerate criminal activities that threaten the safety of residents.
Okpebholo announced plans to sign a law prescribing the death penalty for convicted kidnappers and pledged full support for security agencies in their efforts to combat violent crime.
“Enough is enough. We will sign a death penalty law for kidnappers. Security agencies have my full backing to deal decisively with these criminals,” the governor stated.
Police authorities said investigations are ongoing and that efforts are underway to apprehend other members of the gang who remain at large. They also appealed to residents to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in the fight against kidnapping and cultism.
The suspect’s confession has further heightened concerns over the growing threat of kidnapping for ransom in Edo State, where security agencies have intensified operations in recent weeks to dismantle criminal networks and restore public confidence.
