Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have apprehended three suspected kidnappers believed to be part of a four-man gang responsible for a string of kidnappings in Benin City and its environs. The suspects, identified as Asemota Osamede (38), Michael Tomminiwei (43), and Kelly Aitoya (34), allegedly amassed over N75 million in ransom payments from victims’ families between January 2024 and April 2025.
According to police sources, the gang is linked to the kidnapping of approximately ten individuals during the aforementioned period. Their activities were brought to a head on April 10th, when they allegedly abducted Mrs. Vivian Diode, a sawmill operator from Eayan, Aduwawa, along the Benin-Auchi road.
Reportedly, the kidnappers forcefully extracted N1.5 million from Mrs. Diode’s bank account while she was held captive. An additional N6 million ransom was collected from her family members before her release.
Following her release, the suspects allegedly continued to harass the family, demanding an additional N3 million under threat of re-kidnapping or assassination if the sum was not paid. The family reported these demands to the police, prompting an investigation by the Edo State Command’s anti-cultism unit, which led to the arrest of the three suspects.
CSP Moses Yamu, spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, confirmed the arrests and stated that investigations have been completed. “In the case concerning the kidnapping of Vivian, the suspects have been arrested and investigations completed. They would be charged to court,” he said. The suspects are expected to face prosecution in the coming days.
