Edo businessman kidnapped and murdered by own staff after ransom payment

DDM News

Tragedy has struck in Edo State following the abduction and brutal murder of a local businessman, Mr. Henry, who was reportedly kidnapped and killed by his own workers despite collecting ransom from his family.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the Edo State Police Command has launched a full investigation into the shocking case, which has triggered outrage and deep concern across the state.

The victim, identified simply as Mr. Henry, was said to have employed the men who later turned against him.

According to police sources, the suspects who were staff under his employment, abducted him in a premeditated act and demanded ransom from his family.

Despite receiving the ransom, the suspects proceeded to kill Mr. Henry instead of releasing him.

The Edo State Police Command confirmed that five individuals have been identified in connection with the crime.

One of the suspects, 33-year-old Samuel from Akwa Ibom State, confessed to playing a role in both the kidnapping and the murder.

“The suspect confessed to the kidnap. After receiving the ransom, he killed the victim,” the Police Command stated in an official release.

Even more disturbing, the criminals reportedly continued to extort the victim’s family under the guise that Mr. Henry was still alive, promising to release him in exchange for more payments.

Speaking on the harrowing experience, the victim’s son recounted, “After we gave them money, one of them told me he would show me where my father’s body was, and I sent him money again.”

“After sending the first money, we didn’t hear from the people we paid. Their numbers stopped going through,” he added.

The betrayal has left the family devastated, not only by the loss of their loved one but also by the bitter truth that those responsible were once trusted employees.

Police authorities have assured the public that all those involved will be brought to justice.

“They will be charged to court upon the completion of investigations,” a police spokesperson said.

Mr. Henry’s death has raised serious concerns about workplace trust, internal threats, and the increasing brutality in Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis.

Community leaders in Edo are calling for urgent reforms and stronger background checks in employment practices.

In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a troubling rise in kidnappings for ransom, with cases growing more frequent and more ruthless.

However, this case is particularly disturbing because of the betrayal by those closest to the victim and the cold manipulation that followed.

The police are urging members of the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious activities to the nearest security agencies.

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