The Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, has said he paid N6.5 million ransom to secure his release, contrary to claims by the Edo State Police Command that his abductors freed him due to intense and sustained pressure mounted on them by its operatives.
Obhakhobo, who doubles as President ofthe Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Edo-Delta Chapter, was kidnapped on July 7 along the Ubiaja-Illushi road of Edo State.
He was released on Sunday, July 13.
In a Monday statement, the state command confirmed the imam’s release.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, CSP Moses Yamu, said, “The Edo State Police Command is pleased to inform the public that Moritada Obhakhoboh, the Chief Imam of Urom,i 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.”
However, Obhakhobo disputed the police’s account of how his release was secured.
Speaking in his hometown, the imam said his release was a private effort and not due to pressure from the police on the abductors as claimed.
He said, “I was kidnapped on July 7, 2025, along the Ubiaja-Illushi road. I got myself released with the payment of N6.5 million on July 13, 2025.
“I’m also shocked to see a different person’s picture in one of the papers claiming it was me.
“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,” he said.
The imam berated the police for “trying to take credit for doing nothing”.
