The Edo State Police Command has firmly dismissed a viral allegation linking a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ugboha to an alleged kidnapping plot, describing the claim as “false and malicious” amid rising public concern.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the video circulating on social media—claiming that three men discovered in a bush in Ugboha/Amendonkhian were recruited from Northern Nigeria by the DPO for kidnapping—was misleading and unfounded.
According to the command, the three men—Shaibu Haruna (30), Nura Bada (25) and Inua Husseini (26)—were apprehended on 3 February 2026 in a bush near the Ugboha/Amendonkhian axis. Contrary to the allegations, the police clarified that the individuals are registered hunters with the Nigeria Hunters Association.
The statement revealed that the trio had officially reported their presence at the Ugboha Division on 30 January 2026 before proceeding into the bush for hunting activities, in line with established local security protocols.
Police further explained that during the encounter captured in the viral video, the men—who reportedly speak only Hausa—attempted to communicate their identity as legitimate hunters but were not given the opportunity.
“Shaibu Haruna reportedly presented his identity card as a registered hunter; however, those confronting them refused to examine it. He also attempted to show them the DPO’s phone number, which he had collected upon reporting at the Division days earlier, but this was equally disregarded,” the statement read.
The command added that several members of the Amedokhian community confirmed that Haruna is a known and trusted hunter who has been patronised over the years, lending further credibility to the police account.
The video in question was recorded by one Oseghale Okoershim, 52, who alleged that the DPO facilitated the entry of the men into Edo State for criminal purposes. However, the police said preliminary investigations found no evidence to support the claim.
“Findings indicate that this allegation is false and malicious,” the command reiterated.
Further details obtained by this online newspaper indicate that Okoershim, during interrogation, admitted to recording and circulating the video. The police described the content as “misleading, defamatory and capable of causing public panic”.
The command assured residents that investigations are ongoing and that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism, transparency and the protection of all residents, urging the public to verify sensitive information through appropriate channels before dissemination.
He warned that the spread of unverified claims could inflame ethnic tensions and disrupt public order, calling for restraint and responsible use of social media platforms.
