Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A 52-year-old Islamic teacher has been arrested by the Edo State Police Command for allegedly preparing charms for kidnappers operating across the Edo North Senatorial District. The suspect, identified as Jubril Ibrahim, was paraded alongside four suspected kidnappers on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the Edo State Police Command headquarters in Benin City for allegedly terrorising residents in the Auchi, Jattu and Okpella axes.
Parading the suspects, Commissioner of Police Patrick Daor said the suspected kidnappers were arrested in Niger State following intelligence gathering, while Ibrahim was picked up in Edo North for his alleged role in preparing charms for the criminal syndicate. Daor said the police would not relent in their efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and commended the operatives for the successful operation.
However, Ibrahim denied the allegations, insisting that he only prayed for one of the suspects after the man's mother requested prayers for his safe travels. Speaking through an interpreter, the Islamic teacher said: "I gather Almajiri and teach them the Qur'an. So, Ahmadu Suleiman's mother came to me and said I should be praying for her son, that he travels a lot, so I should pray for his safe trip to and from, and that is what I have been doing. I pray for him to have a safe trip."
When asked if he knew that Suleiman had an AK-47 rifle in his possession, Ibrahim admitted that he was aware the suspect had a gun but maintained that he only offered prayers and did not prepare charms.
One of the arrested kidnappers, 24-year-old Ahmadu Suleiman, confessed to being involved in only one kidnapping operation in Auchi, adding that he had worked with various kidnapping syndicates across the country before returning to his base in Niger State. Speaking through an interpreter, Suleiman described the gang's modus operandi: "When we get to the community, we look for a beautiful house and shoot into the air, and in the process of scampering for their lives, they run out, and we hold them and take them to the bush, and demand for money. I got One Million Naira from the Auchi operation, and that was the only kidnapping I involved myself in that area."
When asked if they had informants, Suleiman said they had no informants but looked out for fancy cars and buildings whenever they went on kidnapping operations. The police also paraded a 21-year-old suspect who allegedly stole a baby at Ring Road, Benin, while a stolen car was also recovered from the suspects.
The arrest of Jubril Ibrahim adds a troubling new dimension to the case, raising questions about the role of traditional and religious practices in fueling criminal networks. While the Islamic teacher maintains his innocence, the police are investigating whether his alleged charms were used to embolden the kidnappers or protect them during operations.
Speaking at the parade, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Eno Ikoedem, said the arrests were made possible through intelligence gathered by men of the command and urged the public to assist the police with credible information at all times.
The arrests come amid intensified efforts by the Edo State Police Command to crack down on kidnapping syndicates operating in the state. The four suspected kidnappers were arrested in Niger State following a coordinated operation, while the Islamic teacher was picked up in Edo North. The police have assured residents that they would continue to pursue criminal elements and bring them to justice.
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