Police Arrest Suspects in Kidnapping, Murder, Other Crimes Across States

Police Arrest Suspects in Kidnapping, Murder, Other Crimes Across States

By Raphael Ekpang

Abuja (Core Reporters) – Police operatives across several states have arrested a number of suspects in connection with kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, rape, child stealing, firearm offences and other crimes, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered in some of the operations.

In Enugu State, police operatives working with forest guards, neighbourhood watch personnel and local youths arrested 23-year-old Ifebuche Onu, suspected to be among four armed men believed to be members of IPOB/ESN who invaded Amofia Agu Community, Affa, and abducted a youth leader.

The police said the victim was rescued unhurt, while operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle with two loaded magazines containing 53 rounds of live ammunition and a Beretta rifle with a magazine containing 30 rounds.

Other recovered exhibits included a fortified charm, button phone and a bunch of keys.

In another operation in Enugu, operatives arrested Thomas Ugwu, 19, and Ozokolo Chinedu, 18, over the alleged kidnapping of an eight-year-old boy, Adipkuta Chiemerie.

According to the police, the suspects were arrested at Povilla Hotel, Amebo, following intelligence that the victim had been released after a ₦1 million ransom was paid into a UBA account. The suspects were reportedly identified by the victim and confessed to the crime.

In Kebbi State, police arrested Bello Ali Toro, 20, after one of five kidnapped brothers reportedly spotted him at the Central Mosque during Friday prayers and identified him as a suspect. The victim also recovered his stolen Tecno handset from the suspect, leading to his arrest.

The police said sustained pressure on the kidnappers resulted in the release of three victims, while two others escaped from captivity.

In Abia State, Anthony Chibuike, 37, was arrested in connection with the alleged murder of 80-year-old Onwuasoanya Ehirim at Igbere Street, Umuahia. A Beretta pistol and one round of live ammunition were recovered from the suspect.

In Rivers State, police took custody of Aaron Monday, 21, who was handed over by local vigilantes and OSPAC security personnel following an alleged residential robbery along Rumuologu.

A locally made cut-to-size pistol, one live cartridge, one expended cartridge, a Nokia phone and stolen valuables were recovered. The suspect allegedly confessed to belonging to a four-man robbery gang.

In Akwa Ibom, police arrested Bright Ekpeyong Okon, a private security personnel, after tracking a Ford Jeep allegedly stolen from Akpasak Estate, Uyo, to Delta State. The recovered vehicle was returned to the police command.

In Katsina State, Hamisu Umar, 25, was arrested over alleged vandalisation of PHCN cables at Jiba Village, Sandamu Local Government Area. Two other suspects reportedly escaped, abandoning their motorcycle at Lemu Village.

Bayelsa police also arrested Nabo Innocent, 39, aka Yellow Papa, and Ayibatare Talbot, 36, over an alleged attempted armed robbery at Bassambiri. The principal suspect was reportedly tracked to his hideout in Ogbolomabiri.

In Delta State, Michelle Okolo, 23, was arrested over an alleged conspiracy to sell her newborn baby boy for ₦1.8 million through an intermediary to a buyer in Onitsha, Anambra State. Police said efforts were ongoing to arrest other accomplices and recover the child.

In Oyo State, police arrested Mathew Monday, a vigilante, for allegedly shooting a 23-year-old herder, Bello Abu, in the right leg while grazing cattle at Lagun, Ibadan. A Dane gun was recovered from the suspect.

In Cross River State, police arrested Ndifreke Godwin, 37, a security guard attached to a block industry, over the alleged rape of an eight-year-old girl.

Similarly, Ogun State police arrested Daniel, 22, over the alleged defilement of a 15-year-old girl.

In Ebonyi State, Chukwudi Elechi Amadi, 22, was arrested over the alleged fatal shooting of Chijioke Oko Aka, 38, during a wake-keep at Ihie Amasiri, Afikpo.

Gombe State recorded two separate arrests. Police arrested Iliya Ibrahim, 50, over the alleged rape of his seven-year-old stepdaughter, Amina Dahiru, while Hadiza Mohammadu, 31, and her daughter, Hajara Mohammadu, 15, who were abducted on August 24, were released and reunited with their family.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu 8th, said the various cases were being investigated by the respective State Criminal Investigation Departments, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects and other accomplices.