Edo State Police arrest teacher and kidnappers

The Edo State Police Command has arrested 52-year-old Islamic teacher Jubril Ibrahim for allegedly preparing charms for kidnappers operating in the Edo North Senatorial District. Ibrahim was paraded in Benin City alongside four suspected kidnappers and six other suspects following intelligence-led operations in Niger State.

Ibrahim has denied the allegations, claiming he only provided prayers for one of the suspects, 24-year-old Ahmadu Suleiman, at the request of Suleiman’s mother to ensure safe travels. While Ibrahim admitted to knowing Suleiman possessed an AK-47 rifle, he maintained his role was strictly religious.

Suleiman confessed to participating in a kidnapping operation in Auchi, stating he has worked with various syndicates across the country. He described a tactic of shooting into the air to cause panic in communities, allowing the group to seize victims and demand ransom. Suleiman noted that his group identifies targets by looking for expensive vehicles and buildings.