“We paid ransom” – Edo lawmaker says police lied on rescue of traditional ruler
The traditional ruler of Udo-Eguare kingdom in Igueben Local Government Area, HRH Friday Ehizojie, after his rescue from kidnappers.
Published By: Ayorinde Oluokun
By Jethro Ibileke
The lawmaker representing Igueben constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, Inegbeboh Eugene, has debunked claims by the Police and the State Security Corps (ESSC), that they were responsible for the rescue of the traditional ruler of Udo-Eguare kingdom in Igueben Local Government Area, HRH Friday Ehizojie, from kidnappers.
Recall that the traditional ruler and five others were abducted by some gunmen on Sunday, 3 February, 2025, while riding as passengers on a motorcycle along a lonely path leading to the community.
Four days after, the State Police Command claimed to have rescued the monarch unhurt by its operatives, while thanking vigilantes, hunters and other well-meaning residents of the State for the support.
Barely two days after the police statement, the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), Friday Ibadin, also laid claim to the rescue of the traditional ruler.
Ibadin, a retired Commissioner of Police said after his officers successfully combed the forest which led to the rescue of the Onogie, he was, however, handed over to the Nigeria police Force Edo State Command for adequate debriefing in order to be able to apprehend his captors who are at large.
But, as the police and the operatives of ESSC, continued to claim glory for the rescue of the monarch, Eugene, the lawmaker who is a member of Udo-Eguare community, debunked the claims, saying that the community paid ransom for the release of their king.
Eugene, who spoke at the floor of the State House of Assembly on Monday, alleged that the traditional ruler was kidnapped by herdsmen.
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He said: Mr Speaker, it is interesting to know that during the trying period, I personally informed the security agencies of the kidnapping of the traditional ruler. The information was for them to see what they could do but at the end of the day, I want to tell you that the security agencies that I informed were playing hide and seek as if they were doing something, but doing nothing.
“At the end of the day, none of them knew how the traditional ruler came back home, but only for them to come out now and start claiming the glory and taking pictures with him after his released. Some, people, even went to the social media to claim that they are the one that rescued him.
“How do you rescue a person from kidnappers’ den without the culprit being apprehended? Did they just walk in there to bring the traditional ruler home? If they know the kidnappers they should show us.
“Mr Speaker, I make bold to say that even though they would not want to agree, it took the grace of God for my people to raise the ransom that brought our king back home.
“So, Mr Speaker, nobody should claim that glory that they rescued him. It is wrong.”
The lawmaker thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for his swift response and the logistic support he provided for security agencies during the period.
He, however, urged the Speaker of the House to invite the new Commander of the State Security Corps, Friday Ibadin, to brief the House on what the outfit is doing to address the security challenges in the State.
