The Edo State Government has announced the arrest of an alleged kingpin of a kidnapping syndicate operating in Uromi and surrounding communities, in what officials described as a major breakthrough in the state’s ongoing campaign against kidnapping, cultism, and other violent crimes.
The suspect, identified as Christian Okoduwa, is currently in police custody in Benin City, while his residence located on Thursday Street, off Amedokhian Road, Uromi, has been demolished following investigations and intelligence reports linking him to alleged criminal activities.
The development was disclosed by the Secretary of the Edo State Security Squad, codenamed Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists, Barrister John Izegaegbe, during a visit to the demolished property.
According to Izegaegbe, security investigations revealed that the suspect was allegedly connected to a network of kidnappers operating within Uromi and its environs.
He alleged that Okoduwa coordinated criminal activities by bringing suspected criminal elements from neighbouring states and communities into Uromi to carry out kidnapping operations.
“We are in Uromi, and this building behind me, which has been demolished, belongs to one Christian Okoduwa, who has been linked severally to a kidnapping chain operating in the area,” Izegaegbe said.
He further claimed that several arrests made in connection with kidnapping cases in Uromi had been traced to the suspect and members of his alleged syndicate.
“All arrests made in Uromi and its environs have been linked to him directly and his syndicate, who have allegedly been terrorising the people of Uromi. This is conspiracy and abetting kidnapping,” he stated.
The security official added that ongoing investigations identified Okoduwa as a key suspect in some of the most serious kidnapping incidents recorded in the area.
“Investigation has revealed that he is the mastermind and culprit of some of the most serious kidnapping incidents recorded in Uromi, and the hands of the law have caught up with him,” he said.
Izegaegbe explained that the demolition of the building was carried out in line with the state government’s policy on properties allegedly used to facilitate criminal activities.
“This demolition is the result of kidnapping activities. Any building used for such nefarious activities must go down. We have a marching order, based on investigation and verified information, that this building should be demolished. This is what the law provides, and that is what we have done,” he added.
He also disclosed that multiple suspects arrested during investigations had allegedly mentioned Okoduwa’s name, linking him to kidnapping operations in the locality.
The Edo State Government reiterated its commitment to ridding the state of criminal elements and ensuring that individuals found culpable of criminal offences are brought to justice.
