Police nab five suspected kidnappers, recover weapons in Edo

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Edo State Police Command has apprehended five suspected kidnappers including the recently dethroned Ohen of Okhoromi, Ovbokhan Igbinovia Kelvin, during a recent operation.

According to a statement by the Edo Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, the operation, led by operatives of the Command’s Intelligence and Rapid Response Squad in collaboration with the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, also resulted in the arrest of Osarodion Omoregie, 41, Charles Otasowei, 55, Edwin Igbinovia, 45, and Osagie Igbinovi, 44.

During a search at Kelvin’s residence, security operatives recovered two AK-47 rifles with serial numbers TH4782 and 6683, two locally made single-barrel shotguns, three empty AK-47 magazines, one OFM magazine, 11 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and a suspected human skull.

The statement noted that investigations are ongoing to recover additional arms and apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.

It reads, “In a sting operation carried out by operatives of the Command Intelligence and Rapid Response Squad alongside the Anti-Kidnapping Squad today 17/05/2025 arrested the recently dethroned Ohen of Okhoromi one Ovbokhan Igbinovia Kelvin 43yrs, Osarodion Omoregie 41yrs, Charles Otasowei 55yrs, Edwin Igbinovia 45yrs and Osagie Igbinovia 44yrs.

“The following exhibits; two (2) AK 47 rifles with breach numbers TH4782 and 6683 respectively, two (2) single barrel locally made shotguns, Three (3) empty AK47 magazines, one (1) OFM magazine, eleven (11) rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and a suspected human skull were recovered from the premises of Ovbokhan Igbinovia Kelvin the dethroned Ohen of Okhoromi when search was conducted.

“The investigation is ongoing to recover other arms and ammunition in his possession and arrest his fleeing gang members. CP Monday Agbonika, fdc assures the general public that the Command would not be deterred or distracted in its resolve to rid the state of all forms of crimes and criminality.”