Edo Police Deny Viral Kidnapping Claims – Say Hunters Misidentified
Otamere Gladness 
EDO, Nigeria – The Edo State Police Command dismisses as false a viral video alleging that three Hausa men found in a bush at Ugboha/Amendonkhian are imported kidnappers planted by a police officer.
Police on Thursday describe the video as malicious and misleading, warning that it risks inflaming ethnic tension and spreading panic across Edo communities.
In a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Command confirms that the three men — Shaibu Haruna (30), Nura Bada (25) and Inua Husseini (26) — are arrested on 3 February 2026 but are legitimate hunters, not kidnappers.
Investigations show that the trio are registered members of the Nigeria Hunters Association and had formally reported to the Ugboha Police Division on 30 January 2026 for familiarisation before entering the bush to hunt.
“They obtained the Divisional Police Officer’s contact details and carried valid hunter identification,” the statement says.
During the confrontation captured in the viral footage, police explain that the hunters, who speak only Hausa, attempt to show their registration card and the DPO’s phone number, but those recording the video refuse to verify the claims.
Community leaders from Amendonkhian later confirm that Shaibu Haruna is well known locally as a hunter who regularly sells game meat in the area.
Police further reveal that the video’s recorder, Oseghale Okoershim, admits to spreading unverified and defamatory information.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, reiterates the Command’s commitment to professionalism and urges the public to avoid sharing unverified content.
“All individuals found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” police say.
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