The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 53-year-old grandfather, Fred Ikhimu Arobi, for allegedly leading a kidnap gang in Uromi, headquarters of Esan North East Local Government Area.
One of their victims, 67-year-old Premie Eboigbe Ohakhena, was killed and burnt in the gang’s hideout.
Arobi, who claimed that he has 11 children, including two graduates, said he was paid N300,000 in the first kidnap he participated in.
Addressing reporters at the police headquarters, the suspect said he was invited to join the gang by a boy he met at a funeral.
He said the late Premie, who was his neighbour, was kidnapped and killed by his gang because his brother died in a land dispute between the gang members.
Other members of the gang are said to be on the run.
Also, two suspects who snatched a car to kill rival cult members, were paraded.
The two suspects – Sunny Owin and Saliu Momodu – said they were members of the Eiye Confraternity.
Sunny said he was not a robber but a cultist who wanted to kill a rival.
Saliu said he was arrested, following his girlfriend’s invitation.
Police spokesman Stephen Onwochei, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said Arobi was arrested following painstaking investigation.
He said all the suspects would be charged to court after further investigation.