The Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, has refuted claims by the Edo State Police Command that he was freed by his abductors due to police pressure. The Imam stated he personally secured his release by paying a N6.5 million ransom.
Sheikh Obhakhobo, who also serves as the President of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Edo-Delta Chapter, was abducted on July 7, 2025, along the Ubiaja-Illushi road in Edo State. He regained his freedom on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
The Edo State Police Command had, in a statement issued on Monday, July 14, 2025, by its Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Moses Yamu, announced the Imam’s release. Yamu stated, “The Edo State Police Command is pleased to inform the public that Moritada Obhakhoboh, the Chief Imam of Uromi, was released by his abductors on 13th July 2025 due to the intense and sustained pressure mounted by our operatives.” The statement added that Obhakhobo “has since been reunited with his family and is in stable condition.”
However, Sheikh Obhakhobo has directly contradicted the police’s account. Speaking from his hometown, the Imam emphasized that his release was a private effort.
“I was kidnapped on July 7, 2025, along the Ubiaja-Illushi road. I got myself released with the payment of N6.5 million on July 13, 2025,” Obhakhobo clarified.
He also expressed surprise at a newspaper using a photo of a different person, mistakenly identifying them as him.
Recounting his interaction with law enforcement after his release, the Imam said, “On getting home upon my release, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Uromi Division visited me to gather information, which I provided.”
He concluded by criticizing the police, stating, “My release was a result of private efforts and the payment of a substantial ransom. They are trying to take credit for doing nothing.”
