Governor Monday Okpebholo’s security team says the property was used to hold kidnapping victims as police continue investigating the suspect
The Edo State Government has demolished a building allegedly owned by a suspected kidnapping kingpin in Obagie-N’Evbuosa Community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, as authorities intensify efforts to combat kidnapping and violent crime across the state.
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The demolition was carried out on Thursday by the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, working alongside security agencies and the Edo State Security Squad, according to a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele.
The government said the action formed part of its broader security strategy aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts and discouraging kidnapping activities.
Speaking during the operation, the spokesperson for the Edo State Security Squad, Noah Idemudia, alleged that the building had been identified as a location where kidnapped victims were held before being moved to other destinations.
Idemudia identified the property’s alleged owner as Solomon Johnson, whom he described as the suspected leader of a kidnapping syndicate operating in the area. He said Johnson, who is from Delta State, is currently in police custody.
According to Idemudia, investigators believe the syndicate had terrorised residents of Obagie-N’Evbuosa and recently demanded ₦11 million as ransom for the release of one of its victims.
He further alleged that members of the gang had planned to abduct the victim’s wife before security operatives arrested the suspect.
“We are here to demolish this building identified as a den where kidnappers keep their victims. It served as a hideout before they were moved elsewhere,” Idemudia said.
“Edo State is no longer a safe haven for criminals. Anyone who wishes to live peacefully is welcome, but those with criminal intentions should leave the state.”
The Edo Kidnap Kingpin Building Demolition follows a series of measures introduced by the Okpebholo administration to tackle insecurity, including increased collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
Idemudia also announced that the state government would soon convene a meeting with Okaigheles, the traditional heads of communities across Edo State, to strengthen resident profiling and improve intelligence gathering at the grassroots.
He said community leaders would be expected to monitor new arrivals in their areas and work closely with government authorities to enhance public safety.
“As Okaighele, you should know everyone entering your community. You will be held accountable for security lapses in your community, so collaboration with the government is essential,” he said.
Meanwhile, Johnson, who described himself as a bricklayer from Delta State, reportedly made statements to investigators following his arrest.
According to security officials, the suspect claimed he worked for an alleged gang leader identified only as Efe, whose activities allegedly included robbery and kidnapping.
Johnson was quoted as saying, “I work for a man called Efe, who is involved in robbery and kidnapping. He brings phones, laptops and other valuables for me to sell around Ring Road.”
He also claimed he earned commissions from selling the items, sometimes receiving as much as ₦50,000 from a single transaction.
The allegations against Johnson have not been tested in court, and no conviction has been secured. Under Nigerian law, he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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Police said investigations into the alleged kidnapping network are continuing, while authorities have indicated that further arrests and enforcement actions may follow as the investigation progresses.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
