Police in Edo State have paraded 13 suspects accused of serious crimes. The lineup included individuals charged with kidnapping, cultism, murder, armed robbery, and spreading false information.
State Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika displayed the suspects at command headquarters on Wednesday. Governor Monday Okpebholo attended the event.
Among those paraded was 45-year-old Oluchi Ugbowan, accused of orchestrating her own kidnapping. She allegedly plotted with accomplices to stage a fake abduction.
According to Agbonika, Ugbowan's goal was extorting N50 million from her family members. The scheme unfolded after anti-kidnapping operatives received a tip on May 6, 2026.
Israel Ability, 28, was arrested for making ransom calls on her instructions. Investigators later found Ugbowan hiding in a hotel in Obiaruku, Delta State.
She confessed to the crime during questioning. Officers also recovered a pump-action gun used in videos made by Chukwudem Uwadia from Kwale, Delta State.
Uwadia's son, Chibuzor Chukwudem, 18, was also arrested in connection with the scheme. The pair created promotional content for the fake kidnapping plot.
Matthew Igbinoba, 40, faced separate armed robbery charges. He allegedly attacked Ebuka Ewere, a POS operator, on Murtala Muhammed Way in Benin City.
Igbinoba reportedly shot Ewere in the left leg and stole N500,000. High-tech tracking helped police locate and arrest him.
The suspect has admitted guilt and is assisting investigators. Police say more gang members remain at large.
Three other men faced cultism accusations. They are Ovie Freedom, Lucky Iyokhuo, and Bright Odaro.
All three confessed to membership in the Vikings cult group. Officers recovered one locally-made pistol from their possession.
Ernest Ugbomoiko, 42, was paraded for spreading dangerous lies. He claimed schoolchildren had been kidnapped in five communities across the state.
The communities he named were Afuze, Ehor, Otuo, Agbede, and Igueben. Police investigated thoroughly and found no evidence of any abductions.
Agbonika emphasized that no such incidents occurred anywhere in Edo State. He warned residents against sharing unverified information online.
Misinformation like this creates unnecessary panic, the commissioner noted. He urged the public to verify claims before spreading them.
