Delta King Exposed as Mastermind Behind Kidnap Syndicate, Aided Fulani Bandits with SUV and Ransom Funds

A traditional ruler in Kwale, Delta State, has been unmasked as a key accomplice in a deadly kidnapping ring, working closely with a gang of Fulani herdsmen to abduct his own people for ransom.

The shocking development was confirmed by security operatives who had been tracking the monarch’s criminal ties for months.

The king, sources revealed, provided operational support to the gang, including the donation of a Lexus RX 300 SUV and sharing in ransom proceeds.

“We had intelligence on him for a long time. He was always lending his vehicles to the gang, and after each operation, they would return and give him his share of the ransom,” an officer involved in the investigation stated. “But this time, we moved in with solid evidence and got him.”

The criminal network also included a self-styled pastor—described as the group’s tactical leader—and another suspect named Ebenezer. During the operation, four AK-47 rifles and a submachine gun (SMG) were recovered, two of which were previously stolen from NDLEA operatives during an ambush in May that left one agent injured and another shot.

A ransom of N4.2 million was also recovered from the gang, part of a total of N7.5 million collected from their victims. Shockingly, N3 million of the ransom had been paid to the king to help him buy another vehicle after police had earlier confiscated the Lexus SUV he donated to the gang.

“He saw the seized SUV as a business loss and demanded N3 million to replace it so the gang could stay active,” the officer added.

Authorities believe the syndicate is linked to numerous other violent crimes, including carjackings, defilement, and coordinated assaults.

The police have promised that justice will be served, assuring the public that no one is above the law—“not even a king.”