From Moshood Karim
A member of the Edo State House of Assembly has accused the police and local security forces of fabricating the circumstances surrounding the release of HRH Friday Ehizojie, the traditional ruler of Udo-Eguare kingdom, who was kidnapped earlier this month.
According to Hon. Inegbeboh Eugene, the authorities falsely claimed to have rescued the monarch when, in reality, a ransom was paid for his release.
The king, along with five others, was abducted by gunmen on Sunday, 3 February, 2025, in a remote part of Igueben Local Government Area. While the police initially reported that they had rescued the group unscathed four days later, Eugene has now cast doubt on their account, revealing that it was the community’s efforts—rather than police intervention—that secured the monarch’s freedom.
“The security agencies have lied to the public,” Hon. Eugene told the House of Assembly on Monday. “I personally alerted them about the kidnapping, yet no meaningful action was taken. The monarch’s release only came about after the community raised funds to pay the ransom demanded by the kidnappers.”
The claims of a police rescue were bolstered by a statement from the Edo State Police Command, which praised local vigilantes and hunters for their assistance in securing the monarch’s return. This narrative was further supported by the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, retired Commissioner of Police Friday Ibadin, who later claimed that his officers had tracked down the kidnappers, recovered the monarch, and handed him over to the police.
However, Eugene vehemently rejected these accounts. “If the police really rescued him, why haven’t they apprehended the kidnappers? If they were able to ‘rescue’ the king, why are they not bringing the criminals to justice?” he asked.
The lawmaker went on to criticise the police and security forces for their inaction during the crisis, stating that their public statements amounted to little more than posturing for the media.
Hon. Eugene also expressed his gratitude to Governor Monday Okpebholo, who he said provided essential logistical support to the security agencies during the abduction. Nonetheless, Eugene has called on the Speaker of the House to summon the ESSC Commander for further clarification on the security organisation’s role in tackling crime in the state.
The abduction and its aftermath have cast a shadow over security operations in Edo State, with local residents now questioning the effectiveness of the forces meant to protect them.
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