Criminal Suspect Confesses Receiving ₦2 Million From Train Station Kidnapping

BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON

A suspect arrested in connection with the January 7, 2023, train station attack and kidnapping in Igueben, Edo Central Senatorial District, Edo State of Nigeria has confessed that he received ₦2 million as payment for his role in the crime.

Ehis Jonah, 26, who was among 12 suspects paraded by the Edo State police command on Friday, claimed he was hired to provide logistical support using his motorcycle.

Jonah said he was contracted by a man named Amenvbagbe Ogelegbe to transport him and other criminals to the train station. After the operation, Ogelegbe paid Jonah ₦2 million as his share of the proceeds.

According to the police, Jonah was apprehended on September 1, 2024, when a surveillance patrol stopped a motorcycle carrying him and two others. During interrogation, a phone belonging to the deceased Gazali Hassan rang.

The caller indicated that Hassan had been missing since August 31 and that his motorcycle was stolen. This led the police to discover Hassan’s body near the Idumoza pipeline in Uromi.

Further investigation revealed Jonah and his accomplices were responsible for Hassan’s murder and theft of his motorcycle. Additional suspects, linked to various crimes including the Osigholo filling (gas) station robbery and the Igueben train station attack, were also arrested.

The police said they are continuing their investigation to capture the remaining members of the criminal syndicate and recover their weapons.