The Edo State Police Command has clarified the facts surrounding a viral social media video involving one Aisha Wahab, who was allegedly kidnapped in Auchi, Edo State, describing several circulating claims as misleading and false.
In a statement signed by ASP Eno Ikoedem, Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, the Command confirmed that upon sighting the viral footage showing Aisha in captivity, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, immediately ordered the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Auchi Division to trace the victim’s family and ensure her safe rescue.
Investigations revealed that Aisha had indeed been abducted six days earlier near her family home on the outskirts of Igbira Camp, Auchi. Her mother, Mrs Abdul Wahab, admitted the incident had not been reported to the Police until the video surfaced online.
Acting on intelligence, the DPO traced the kidnappers using the phone number linked to Aisha’s mobile device and deployed technical surveillance to track their location. However, the suspects relocated with their victim when they realised police operatives were closing in.
Shortly after, another video confirmed Aisha’s release. She was taken to hospital, where officers verified her safety. Aisha later explained that her abductors burned her phone after suspecting it was revealing their location to security operatives.
The Command has dismissed as “false and deceitful” the claims by some bloggers and content creators that they had contacted the Commissioner of Police without response or assisted in the rescue effort.
“At no point did the Command receive such contact, nor did any civilian collaborate with the Police during the rescue operation,” the statement read. “The office of the Commissioner of Police remains open to all, and his phone number is publicly available.”
The Command condemned the deliberate spread of misinformation aimed at discrediting the Nigeria Police Force and the Edo State Government, warning that such falsehoods erode public trust and jeopardise future rescue efforts.
“For the avoidance of doubt, every police action on this case has been properly documented and is open for verification,” the statement added.
The Edo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the lives and property of residents and urged citizens to report criminal incidents promptly to the nearest police station rather than resorting to social media.
Emergency Contacts:
Control Room – 08077773721, 08037646272
Complaints Response Unit (CRU) – 08100389992
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