The cleric was kidnapped on July 9, 2025, in Uromi, and his abductors initially demanded N30 million.
However, Edo State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, revealed in a statement on Tuesday that the Imam was freed due to pressure from police operations.
“The Edo State Police Command is pleased to inform the public that Moritada Obhakhoboh the Chief Imam of Uromi was released by his abductors on 13th July 2025 due to the intense and sustained pressure mounted by our operatives.
“He has since been reunited with his family and is in stable condition,” the statement partly reads.
Speaking to journalists, the Imam dismissed the police account, stating that he personally arranged for his release by paying N6.5 million ransom to the kidnappers.
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 N6.5 million on July 13, but I was shocked to read in the news that I was rescued by the police.”
He added that after returning home, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) from Uromi visited him for details about the incident, which he shared honestly.
“On getting home upon my release, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Uromi Division visited me to gather information, which I provided.
“My release was a result of private efforts and the payment of a substantial ransom.
“I just got information on the newspapers where the police are trying to take credit for doing nothing,” he said.
Despite the situation, the Imam thanked everyone who supported him and prayed for his safe return during the ordeal.
KanyiDaily also reported how bandits killed a popular Katsina Islamic scholar, Sheikh Mustapha Aliyu Unguwar Mai Kawo.
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