Police arrest Edo train station kidnap suspect

A suspect, Ehis Jonah, 26, has been arrested in connection with the train station attack and kidnapping in Igueben, Edo Central Senatorial District on January 7, 2023.

Jonah, who was among 12 suspects paraded for different crimes by the Edo State Police Command in Benin, the state capital, on Friday, said he was contacted to provide logistics for the other suspects, using his motorcycle and he made N2m as proceeds from the crime.

In an interview with journalists, he said, “I am a motorcycle rider and I was contacted by Amenvbagbe Ogelegbe to take him and others to the train station for kidnapping.

“He promised to pay me. So, I took them there. After everything, he brought N2m for me and said that was my share of the proceeds.”

The Edo State police spokesman, Moses Yamu, who paraded the suspects, stated that Jonah was apprehended after a police surveillance patrol stopped a motorcycle conveying him and two others on September 1, 2024.

He added, “During interrogation, one Tecno Spark 9 phone in their possession rang. The call was placed hands-free, during which the caller stated that the owner of the phone, Gazali Hassan, went missing on August 31, with his motorcycle.

“On the strength of the revelation, investigation was launched; and findings were that the suspects killed the said Gazali Hassan and took his motorcycle.”

The police spokesman said operatives subsequently mobilised to the scene of the crime along the Idumoza pipeline in Uromi and recovered the corpse.

He added,  “Further investigation led to the arrest of additional seven suspects who have been terrorising Edo Central and have participated in the robbery at Osigholo filling station and the deadly attack/kidnapping at Igueben train station.

“Investigation is ongoing with a view to arrest the remaining members of the syndicate and recover their operational weapons.”