Crime

Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad Kidnapped in Edo, N30 Million Ransom Allegedly Demanded

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 14th, 2025.

Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad Kidnapped in Edo, N30 Million Ransom Allegedly Demanded

Bandits

Sheikh Murtadho Muhammad, the Chief Imam of Uromi and President of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Edo-Delta Chapter, has reportedly been abducted by unidentified gunmen in Edo State.

The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on Sunday in the Angle 90 vicinity of Uromi, located in Esan North-East Local Government Area.

According to eyewitness accounts, the cleric was seized shortly after concluding one of the daily prayers. He had stepped out to purchase food for his family when he was abducted near his residence by armed men.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Alhaji Abdulazeez Igbinidu, who chairs the Edo chapter of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), strongly condemned the act, calling it both disgraceful and unacceptable. He urged the abductors to release Sheikh Murtadho without delay or conditions.

“There are reports that a huge ransom is being demanded. We don’t have that kind of money. And even if we did, paying would only encourage more of these crimes,” he said.

Alhaji Igbinidu appealed to the Edo State government to intensify its efforts in safeguarding lives, stressing the need for security systems that protect citizens and enable them to live without fear of kidnapping or violence.

A family source confirmed to NAN that the kidnappers have contacted the family and are allegedly demanding a ransom of ₦30 million for the Imam’s release.

The abduction has caused alarm within the local Muslim community, especially considering Sheikh Murtadho’s role as both a respected religious leader and a youth mentor.

Attempts to get a statement from the Edo State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu,

did not respond to