Delta State Police Neutralize Suspected Kidnappers Linked to Murder of Realtor Esther Ojoh

In a major breakthrough, the Delta State Police Command has confirmed the death of four suspected kidnappers, including the alleged leader of a notorious syndicate, in a gun battle with law enforcement officers. The suspects were reportedly behind several high-profile abductions, including the kidnapping and murder of real estate agent Esther Ojoh, in Ibusa, Oshimili North LGA, Delta State.

🔍 Background: Realtor Abducted and Killed in March

Esther Ojoh was abducted on March 24, 2025, while returning from a site inspection near the Nigerian Admiralty University, Ibusa. She was accompanied by three others when the group was ambushed by armed men. Tragically, her body was discovered days later, on March 25, in a forested area of Ibusa.

🎯 Police Operation Leads to Key Arrest

In a statement released on Saturday, April 12, SP Bright Edafe, spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, revealed that the police had also been investigating the recent kidnapping of a medical doctor in Issele-Uku on April 6, who was released a day later after a ₦15 million ransom was paid.

Following this incident, Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, ordered the CP Special Assignment Team to intensify efforts in identifying and dismantling the syndicate. Acting on intelligence, ASP Julius Robinson, the team commander, led a sting operation around 10 PM on April 10, resulting in the arrest of Abubakar Usman, also known as “Shehu” — the suspected leader of the gang.

💣 Confession and Gun Battle

According to SP Edafe, Usman confessed to being responsible for:

• The kidnapping and murder of Esther Ojoh
• The abduction and killing of Mr. Godwin Anuka, followed by the kidnapping of his wife and daughter
• The kidnapping of the medical doctor from Issele-Uku

Acting on his confession, police operatives followed Usman to the group’s hideout in a forest between Okpanam and Issele-Asagba on the Asaba–Agbor Expressway. However, during the search, Usman reportedly raised an alarm and attempted to escape, alerting his fellow gang members.

The suspects opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. Four gang members, including Usman, sustained serious gunshot injuries and were later confirmed dead at Ogwashi-Uku General Hospital.

🔫 Items Recovered

The police recovered:

• Three AK-47 rifles
• Ninety (90) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition

🙌 Police Commendation & Public Support

CP Olufemi Abaniwonda commended the bravery and professionalism of the CP Special Assignment Team, describing their efforts as “worthy of emulation.” He also appreciated the residents of Delta State for providing credible information and urged continued support to help fight crime in the region.

Source: Linda Ikeji’s Blog