The Edo State Police Command has arrested four suspects and killed one in connection with the kidnapping incident at the Vegetable Market in Benin on June 14, 2026.
In an update contained in a statement on Tuesday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, she said that three suspects were arrested on June 20 in addition to the one earlier nabbed, bringing the arrest to four while one was killed.
The statement read, “The Edo State Police Command wishes to update the general public on its breakthrough into the investigation of the kidnapping incident which occurred at the Vegetable Market off Airport Road in Benin City on June 14, 2026.
“Following the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, and acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Edo, launched a coordinated operation which led to the arrest of one Marvelous Isaac, male, 32 years, on 18/6/2026 in a gun duel while another suspect identified simply as Precious (surname unknown) was neutralised in the process.
“Items recovered from the suspects included one Lexus RX 350 SUV with registration number EKP 848 AE, red in colour, which was confessed to have been used in the kidnapping operation; one pump-action shotgun; two live cartridges; a cash sum of ₦2,050,000; and one motorcycle.
“The operatives on 20/6/2026 further arrested additional members of the organised crime syndicate, namely Gift Raphael, female, 27 years; who further led to the arrest of wisdom Michael, male; and Rufus Michael, male, during separate operations conducted within Benin City and parts of Delta State.
“All suspects have made confessional statements linking them to the incident and other criminal operations within the state.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their professionalism, courage, promptness and dedication in tracking down the criminal network.
He assured residents of Edo State that the police would not stop until all criminal elements were brought to justice.
The command also urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information, while remaining vigilant and security conscious at all times.
The PUNCH reported that a woman who went shopping on June 14 at the popular Vegetable Market off Airport Road in Benin City was reportedly abducted.
The woman was at the market with her husband and children when gunmen reportedly arrived at the scene and whisked her away.
In a video circulating online, a woman who claimed to have witnessed the incident described it as a kidnapping, saying, “Today, for the first time, I witnessed someone being kidnapped.”
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