Operatives of the Edo Police Command have arrested three suspected kidnappers, who allegedly collected over N75 million from victims’ families between January 2024 and April 2025 in the state.

The suspects, Asemota Osamede (38), ⁠Michael Tomminiwei (43) and Kelly Aitoya (34), were said to belong to a four-man kidnapping gang terrorising Benin and its environs.

It was gathered that the suspects kidnapped about 10 victims and collected over N75 million ransom from them over the period.

A police source said that luck, however, ran out on the suspects on April 10 when they allegedly kidnapped one Vivian Diode, who operates a sawmill at Eayan, Aduwawa, along the Benin-Auchi road in Benin City.

The source said the suspected kidnappers collected N1.5 million from her bank account forcefully while in captivity and also collected N6 million ransom from her family members before releasing her.

A week after her release, he said the suspects still called the family members, demanding another N3 million with a threat to kidnap her again or assassinate her if they failed to pay the money.

The family was said to have reported the incident to the police, and the anti-cultism unit of the Edo command swung into action.

In the process, the operatives reportedly arrested three suspects in connection with the kidnapping of the woman.

CSP Moses Yamu, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the arrest, saying the investigation had been completed.

He said the suspects would be charged to court.

“The case concerning the kidnapping of Vivian, the suspects have been arrested and investigations completed. They would be charged to court,” he said.

(NAN)