Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a 45-year-old hunter, Kehinde Adetunji, for allegedly betraying his friend, Edafe Oghenekome, by selling him to kidnappers who later killed the victim after collecting a ransom of N45 million.

The deceased, a 42-year-old pineapple farmer, was reportedly shot dead and dumped in a forest after he allegedly recognised Adetunji during the sharing of the ransom among members of the kidnapping gang. His decomposing remains were later discovered in a nearby bush.

The incident occurred at Utese Village in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, where Adetunji reportedly worked as a hunter and had built a friendship with the victim.

Police investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly tipped off some herders that Oghenekome had recently sold pineapples worth millions of naira, making him an attractive target for kidnapping.

The gang subsequently abducted Oghenekome and his sister, Favour Ighasa, from their residence on February 4, 2026. While Ighasa regained her freedom on February 9, communication with the kidnappers reportedly ceased after the ransom was paid for the farmer’s release.

Spokesperson of the command, Eno Ikoedem, said sustained investigative efforts led to the arrest of Abdulsalam Mohammadu, 21, whose alleged confession exposed other members of the syndicate, including Adetunji, described as the gang’s local informant, and Nasiru Yau, 24, who allegedly supplied food to the kidnappers in the bush.

According to the police, the suspects confessed to their roles in the abduction, ransom collection and murder of Oghenekome, and subsequently led detectives to the forest where his remains were recovered at Igueladidi forest in Iguobazuwa.

Ikoedem added that security operatives recovered two AK-47 rifles with breach numbers 1686 and 2357, along with three Dane guns, during the operation.

She said the breakthrough followed the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, that all kidnapping cases in the state must be thoroughly investigated and brought to a logical conclusion.

The police spokesperson assured that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.