A kidnap survivor, Paul Idehen, has shared the terrifying details of how a notorious gang allegedly collected N5.5 million, his Lexus SUV, and even his gold wedding ring before finally setting him free after five days in captivity.
Idehen recounted his traumatic experience while speaking during the parade of 32-year-old Marvelous Isaac, one of the suspects arrested over the recent kidnapping of a woman at the vegetable market along Airport Road in Benin City. The suspect was presented by the Edo State Police Command in the presence of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
According to Idehen, the nightmare began on the night of April 23, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen stormed his wife’s pharmacy located opposite the Ekehuan Army Barracks just as the family was preparing to close for the day.
He said the attackers fired gunshots to create panic before dragging him away in front of his terrified wife and children.
“I immediately noticed a man wearing a red mask entering the shop, and I knew they had come for me,” Idehen recalled. “I wanted to escape, but I couldn’t leave my wife and children behind.”
He alleged that the suspect now in police custody searched his pocket, took his car keys, and drove off with his Lexus SUV after forcing him into the back seat with a knife pressed against his neck.
The victim said the gang travelled for hours through isolated routes before hiding him in a bush where he remained for five days.
One shocking revelation, according to Idehen, was the presence of a female member of the kidnapping gang, whom he described as the most aggressive among them. He claimed she repeatedly demanded that the others beat him, although one of the kidnappers insisted he had been cooperative.
Throughout his captivity, Idehen said he endured hunger, harsh weather and constant threats to his life. He was left under heavy rain and the scorching sun, surviving only on the hope of seeing his family again.
At one point, he admitted he thought death was inevitable.
“I kept thinking about my children. That was the only thing that gave me the strength to hold on,” he said.
The kidnappers reportedly became furious after learning he had only N800,000 in his account, insisting they had targeted him for a much larger payout.
When his family initially raised N1.5 million, the gang allegedly rejected the offer and threatened to kill him if more money was not produced.
Desperate to stay alive, Idehen offered his gold wedding ring, telling them it could fetch between N300,000 and N400,000 if sold. The criminals accepted it.
By the time he regained his freedom on April 28, 2026, the kidnappers had allegedly collected a staggering N5.5 million, his wedding ring, and his Lexus SUV as ransom.
Police say investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to track down other members of the kidnapping syndicate.
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