Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, the chief Imam of Uromi central mosque in Edo State, says he was not rescued by the police.
He added that a sum of N6.5 million ransom was paid to his abductor before he regained freedom.
The cleric was kidnapped at Uromi on July 9, and a ransom of N30 million was demanded by his abductors.
Edo state police had earlier claimed that the Imam was released following sustained pressure mounted by them.
The statement was signed by Moses Yamu, the police spokesperson of Edo state command.
But in an interactive session with journalists, the chief imam said, statement contradicts the police claim.
He noted that he paid a ransom to the kidnappers.
“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 said
He said that upon his return from captivity, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Uromi division visited him to gather information, which he provided.
He said that after explaining what transpired to the DPO, he was surprised to see the police “trying to take credit for doing nothing”.
“My release was as a result of private efforts and the payment of substantial ransom and not the efforts of the police.”
He however, expressed appreciation to those who prayed for him and showed concern during his period in captivity.
