Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have apprehended two suspects, Pedro Festus and Omorodion Felix, in connection with a kidnapping and murder case in Edo State. The suspects, members of a three-man gang, are believed to be part of a group involved in kidnapping and car snatching activities across Delta and Edo states.
The suspects allegedly attacked a man named Joseph at Uwore community while he was driving into his compound. The gang reportedly blocked his vehicle at gunpoint and forcibly took him into a bush along the Benin-Akure Road.
Following the abduction, the suspects demanded a ransom of N10 million. However, the victim’s family managed to raise N250,000, which they sent to the kidnappers while negotiations were ongoing. Despite receiving the ransom money, the suspects killed the victim and sold his vehicle to an unknown buyer.
The police later arrested the suspects, who confessed to the crime. They were reportedly recognized by the victim, who identified them as neighbors from the same community.
One of the suspects, Pedro Festus, had previously been arrested for armed robbery under the name Ikoowonsa Owege but escaped custody during the #EndSars protests in 2020. After escaping, he changed his identity to Pedro Festus and continued his criminal activities, including kidnapping and murder in the state.
The police recovered two pump-action rifles and one cut-to-size gun from the suspects. Police spokesperson CSP Moses Yamu confirmed the arrest and stated that investigations are ongoing to capture the remaining members of the gang.
In an interview, Pedro revealed that the victim was killed after identifying him during the ransom negotiation. He explained that the victim’s phone battery had died during the process, and when the victim recognized him, he ordered his accomplice to kill him to prevent being exposed.