Paul Idehen, a kidnapping survivor, has detailed the recovery of his Lexus SUV, which criminals seized as part of a ransom payment. The kidnappers had significantly altered the vehicle by changing its paint from grey to red and modifying the registration plates.
Idehen was originally abducted on April 23, 2026, near his wife’s pharmacy in Benin City. After enduring five days in captivity and paying a N5.5 million ransom, his captors released him but retained his wedding ring and vehicle. He had largely accepted the loss of his car until he encountered a viral video showing a recent kidnapping at a vegetable market in Edo State. His intuition immediately identified the getaway vehicle as his own, despite the visual changes.
Acting on this suspicion, Idehen contacted the Edo State Police Command. His intuition was confirmed when he learned that suspect Isaac Marvellous had been apprehended alongside a red Lexus SUV. Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika confirmed the recovery of the vehicle, which was being used for criminal activities, along with a pump-action shotgun, ammunition, and cash.
To verify ownership, Idehen pointed to specific hidden markings he had placed inside the vehicle, as well as the immutable chassis number, which matched his official documentation. Police officers successfully matched these internal identifiers to his description. Idehen praised the efforts of the Nigerian Police and acknowledged the role of Governor Monday Okpebholo in bolstering security measures across Edo State.
