Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a 45-year-old hunter, Kehinde Adetunji, for allegedly selling his farmer friend, Edafe Oghenekome, to kidnappers and collecting N45 million ransom before the victim was killed.

Oghenekome, 42, was reportedly shot dead and abandoned in a forest after he allegedly recognised Adetunji while the ransom was being shared among members of the gang.

His remains were later discovered in a bush where he had been left to decompose.

The incident reportedly occurred at Utese Village, Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State, where Adetunji plied his hunting trade and had struck a friendship with the deceased, a pineapple farmer.

Investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly informed some herders that Oghenekome had recently sold pineapples worth millions of naira, making him a target.

The kidnappers subsequently abducted Oghenekome and his sister, Favour Ighasa, from their residence on February 4, 2026.

While Ighasa regained her freedom on February 9, communication with the abductors ceased after the ransom was paid for Oghenekome’s release.

Spokesman of the Edo State Police Command, DSP Eno Ikoedem, said sustained investigative efforts led to the arrest of Abdulsalam Mohammadu, 21, whose alleged confession exposed other members of the syndicate, including Adetunji, described as the gang’s local informant, and Nasiru Yau, 24, who allegedly supplied food to the kidnappers in the bush.

According to the police, all suspects have confessed to their involvement in the kidnapping, ransom collection and murder of Oghenekome.

The suspects also led detectives to the forest location where the victim’s remains were found.

Ikoedem disclosed that two AK-47 rifles with breach numbers 1686 and 2357, as well as three Dane guns, were recovered from the suspects during the operation.

The remains of the deceased were recovered at Igueladidi forest in Iguobazuwa following what the Command described as a diligent and thorough investigation.

The police spokesman added that the breakthrough was in line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, that all kidnapping cases must be pursued to their logical conclusion.

She assured that the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation. (Nigerian Tribune)

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