A lawmaker in Edo State has publicly debunked claims by security agencies that they rescued the abducted traditional ruler of Udo-Eguare Kingdom, HRH Friday Ehizojie, revealing instead that a ransom was paid for his release.
Hon. Inegbeboh Eugene, representing Igueben Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, made this shocking revelation on Monday while addressing fellow lawmakers. He accused the Edo State Police Command and the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) of misleading the public by falsely taking credit for the monarch’s release.
The monarch and five others were kidnapped on Sunday, February 3, 2025, by gunmen along a remote path in Igueben Local Government Area. Four days later, the Edo State Police Command announced that its operatives had successfully rescued the traditional ruler unhurt, acknowledging the support of local vigilantes and hunters.
Adding to the confusion, the Commander of the ESSC, retired Commissioner of Police Friday Ibadin, claimed two days later that his officers had combed the forest and secured the king’s release before handing him over to the police.
However, Hon. Eugene has refuted these claims, asserting that neither the police nor the ESSC played any role in securing the monarch’s release. Instead, he revealed that the community was forced to raise and pay ransom to the kidnappers to ensure the ruler’s freedom.
“Where Are the Kidnappers?” – Lawmaker Challenges Security Agencies
Speaking passionately on the floor of the Edo State House of Assembly, Eugene condemned the security agencies’ alleged inaction, stating:
> “Mr. Speaker, during this crisis, I personally informed the security agencies about the abduction of our traditional ruler. But at the end of the day, they only pretended to act while doing nothing. None of them knew how the monarch returned home, yet they are now claiming credit, posing for pictures, and making social media posts about a so-called rescue. If they truly rescued him, where are the kidnappers?”
Eugene emphasized that, despite the authorities’ refusal to acknowledge it, the monarch’s release was secured only after ransom money was paid.
While expressing gratitude to Governor Monday Okpebholo for his swift intervention and logistical support to security agencies, Eugene called on the Speaker of the House to summon the ESSC Commander, Friday Ibadin, to provide clarity on the security outfit’s efforts in combating crime in Edo State.
The revelation has sparked widespread concern about the credibility of security agencies and the growing reliance on ransom payments rather than actual law enforcement action in tackling kidnapping in Nigeria.
PIONEER NEWS 