A 21-year-old man named ThankGod Destiny has been arrested by operatives of the Edo State Security Corps in connection with a case of kidnapping of a four-year-old boy in the state.
Richard Balogun, Deputy Corps Commander, Operations, of the ESSC made this disclosure on Thursday in Benin. He however stated that the suspects have been transferred to the police for in depth and thorough investigation.
In disclosing that the incident transpired on January 4 at Ikpoba Hill, Balogun mentioned that the suspect’s arrest was prompted by an alert raised by a commercial bus driver and a female passenger.
“On January 4, 2026, a woman went out with her son at Ikpoba Hill in Benin City. A few minutes later, the son disappeared from her sight. This suspect, identified as ThankGod Destiny, had allegedly kidnapped the four-year-old boy.
“The suspect was said to have hurriedly taken the boy into a commercial bus going towards Kings Square in Benin City.
“The driver, who became suspicious due to a huge difference in resemblance between the little boy and the man, however, questioned where the suspect was going with the boy. He lied that the boy is ill and he is taking him to the hospital.
“But later on, a female passenger asked him about his destination with the boy, and he said that he was going to buy the boy a pair of shoe.
“The different replies made the driver and the woman raise an alarm. The alarm drew the attention of men from the Edo State Security Corps, who were on patrol.
“The suspect was immediately arrested, and the kidnapped little boy was rescued unhurt, and the suspect has been handed over to the police.”
