By Jethro Ibileke
Three suspected kidnappers have been arrested by operatives of the Edo State Police Command
It was gathered that the suspects, Asemota Osamede (38), Michael Tomminiwei (43) and Kelly Aitoya (34), belong to a four-man kidnapping syndicate that has been terrorising Benin City and environs.
They allegedly kidnapped about 10 victims between January 2024 and April 2025, and have collected over ₦75 million from the various victims and their families.
They, however, met their Waterloo on April 10, 2025, when they kidnapped one Mrs Vivian Diode, who operates a saw mill at Eayan, a suburban community along the Benin-Auchi road, Benin City.
The kidnappers reportedly forcefully collected N1.5 million from her bank account while in captivity and also collected N6 million ransom from her family members before releasing her.
About a week after releasing the victim, the suspects reportedly called the family members again and demanded additional ₦3 million with a threat to kidnap her again or assassinate her if they failed to pay the money.
Following the threat, the family reported the incident to the police, and the anti-cultism unit of the command swiftly responded and in the process arrested three suspects.
It was further gathered that during the investigation, it was discovered that aside from Vivian, the suspects have successfully kidnapped 10 persons and have collected over ₦75 million in ransom between January 2024 and April 2025.
The State Police Command Spokesman, CSP Moses Yamu, who confirmed the incident, said the suspects confessed to belonging to a four-man kidnapping syndicate operating with one AK-47 rifle and two pump-action guns in Benin City.
He added that the investigation has been completed and the suspect would be charged in Court.
“The case concerning the kidnapping of Vivian, the suspects have been arrested and investigations completed, they will be charged in Court,” he said.