The Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque in Edo State, Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, has debunked the claim by the Edo State Police Command that he was rescued from kidnappers, stating instead that he secured his own freedom by paying a ransom of ₦6.5 million.
Imam Obhakhobo, who was abducted on July 9, 2025, along the Ubiaja-Illushi Road, made the clarification during an interactive session with journalists in Uromi on Wednesday.
According to the cleric, while the police had claimed in a statement that his release was a result of “sustained pressure” by its operatives, he found such a narrative misleading and disrespectful to the trauma he endured and the personal sacrifices made to secure his freedom.
He said, “I am Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, the Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque in Edo Central. I was kidnapped on July 9, 2025, along the Ubiaja-Illushi road.
“I got myself released by paying ₦6.5 million on July 13, but I was shocked to read in the news that I was rescued by the police.”
Imam Obhakhobo noted that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Uromi Division visited him shortly after he returned home, during which he gave full details of what transpired during his captivity.
“My release was as a result of private efforts and the payment of a substantial ransom, not due to any pressure or operation by the police,” the cleric insisted.
Despite his ordeal, Imam Obhakhobo expressed gratitude to members of the public and the Muslim community who offered prayers and stood by his family during the trying period.