Police nab suspect behind Igueben train attack, kidnapping in Edo

Ehis Jonah, 26, has been arrested for his involvement in the January 7, 2023, train station attack and kidnapping in Igueben, located in the Edo Central Senatorial District.

Jonah revealed that he earned ₦2 million as his share of the criminal proceeds.

During a parade of suspects by the Edo State Police Command on Friday, Jonah confessed that his role in the operation was providing logistics for the other suspects, utilizing his motorcycle for transportation.

He was one of 12 suspects presented by the police for various crimes.

In an interview with journalists, he said: “I am a motorcycle rider and I was contracted by Amenvbagbe Ogelegbe to take him and others to the train station for kidnapping.

“He promised to pay me. So, I took them there. After everything, he brought #2 million for me and said that was my share of the kidnapping.”

The State police spokesman, SP. Moses Yamu who paraded the suspects stated that Jonah was apprehended after police surveillance patrol stopped a motorcycle conveying him and two others on September 1, 2024 “during interrogation, one techno spark 9 handset in their possession rang.

“The call was placed on hands free, during which the caller stated that the owner of the phone by name Gazali Hassan went missing on August 31, with his motorcycle.

“On the strength of the revelation, investigation was launched; and findings were that the suspects killed the said Gazali Hassan and took his motorcycle.”

The police spokesman said operatives subsequently mobilised to the scene of crime along Idumoza pipeline in Uromi, and recovered the corpse.

He added: “further investigation led to the arrest of additional seven suspects who have been terrorizing Edo Central in crimes such as the robbery at Osigholo filling station and the deadly attack/kidnapping at Igueben train station.

“Investigation is ongoing with a view to arrest the remaining members of the syndicate and recover their operational weapons,” Yama stated.