The Edo State Police Command has apprehended Bassey Nyong Uweh, a 32-year-old man from Akwa Ibom State, for allegedly kidnapping and killing his employer in Edo State.
Moses Yamu, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, confirmed the arrest on Monday in Benin City. According to Yamu, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad deployed technical strategies to capture the suspect in a creek at Eyo Abasi village in Oron, Akwa Ibom State.
Details of the Crime
Uweh, allegedly part of a five-man gang, is accused of kidnapping and killing 59-year-old farmer Henry Ohiengbomwan after collecting over N900,000 from pineapple sales harvested from the victim's farm. The incident occurred in Igueze village along the Benin-Lagos road in Ovia North East Local Government Area.
The police spokesperson revealed that the suspect led operatives to the forest where the deceased was buried in a shallow grave. Yamu stated that the suspect and four others, currently at large, were employed by the deceased to work on his farm.
"The suspects allegedly conspired to kidnap him after the deceased sold pineapple that they helped him to harvest," Yamu explained.
Background of the Incident
A source close to the family revealed that the deceased, a Benin resident, owned large acres of pineapple, cocoa, melon, and yam in his community. He had engaged the five laborers to work on his farm for a monthly salary.
"The deceased on May 13, 2025, went to his farm in company of his five workers to harvest pineapple and sold the produce for over N900,000," the source said.
After collecting the money, the laborers allegedly kidnapped their employer in the forest, took the N900,000, killed him, and buried his body in a shallow grave.
Ransom Demands
Following the kidnapping, the suspects reportedly contacted the deceased's family, demanding a ransom of N60 million for his release. When the family requested to speak with the victim before paying, the kidnappers demanded an additional N300,000, which was paid by one of the deceased's brothers.
Despite receiving the money, the kidnappers did not allow the family to speak with the victim. This raised suspicions that the victim might no longer be alive, prompting the family to report the incident to the police.
"At the time of negotiating ransom with the suspects, the family of the deceased were not aware that they had already killed and buried him. The killers fled the community to evade arrest," the source added.
BenriNews learned that two of the suspects are from Akwa Ibom State while three others are from Nasarawa State.
Yamu assured that investigation is ongoing to apprehend the four other suspects who are currently at large and bring them to justice.
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