Security Operatives Arrest Suspected Kidnap Kingpin, Demolish House in Edo

The Edo State Security Squad (ESSS) has arrested a suspected kingpin of a kidnapping syndicate linked to several abduction cases in Uromi and its environs in Edo Central Senatorial District. Daily Trust reports that the suspect, identified as Christian Okoduwa, is currently cooling off in police custody in Benin City. The state government, however, demolished […]

The Edo State Security Squad (ESSS) has arrested a suspected kingpin of a kidnapping syndicate linked to several abduction cases in Uromi and its environs in Edo Central Senatorial District.

Daily Trust reports that the suspect, identified as Christian Okoduwa, is currently cooling off in police custody in Benin City.

The state government, however, demolished his residence located on Thursday Street, off Amedokhian Road, Uromi, in Esan North East Local Government of Edo State.
following investigations and verified intelligence.

Speaking during the exercise, the squad’s Secretary, Barrister John Izegaegbe, said investigations revealed that Okoduwa was allegedly connected to a chain of kidnapping activities in Uromi.

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Izegaegbe alleged that the suspect coordinated criminal operations by bringing suspected criminals from neighbouring states and communities into Uromi to carry out kidnapping activities.

According to him, several arrested suspects had mentioned Okoduwa’s name during investigations, linking him to kidnapping operations in the area.

“Most persons arrested have mentioned his name, linking their kidnapping activities to him. This necessitated the demolition of his building in Amedokhian,” he said.

He added that all arrests made in Uromi and its environs had been linked directly to the suspect and his syndicate, which had allegedly been terrorising residents of the area.

He further alleged that Investigations revealed that he is the mastermind behind some of the most serious kidnapping incidents recorded in Uromi, and the hands of the law have caught up with him,” he alleged.

He explained that the demolition of the building was carried out in line with the government’s policy against the use of properties for criminal activities.

He noted that the demolition was the result of kidnapping activities, stressing that any building used for such nefarious activities would be taken down.

“We have a marching order, based on investigations and verified information, that this building should be demolished. This is what the law provides, and that is what we have done,” he said.