THREE suspected kidnappers have been apprehended by the Police Command in Delta State after collecting N2 million ransom and jewelries worth N3.5 million.
The Police said one of the suspects a self-acclaimed Pastor provided the house where the victims were kept.
The command Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe said in a statement that arms were recovered from the suspects.
“On 19/7/2023, a case of kidnapping was reported at Obiaruku Police station, the distress caller (name withheld) stated that on their way back from their shop at about 20:30hours of the same date, three masked men armed with guns accosted them at the entrance of their house located at Obinoba in Nkwani LGA and kidnapped their mother.
“Sequel to this complaint, the Commissioner of Police, Wale Abass, detailed the DPO Obiaruku Police Station to work in synergy with the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber-Crime Squad to immediately launch a manhunt for the hoodlums and rescue the kidnapped victim.
“On 26/7/2023, the kidnappers released the victim after collecting a ransom of two million naira and jewelleries worth about N3.5 million.
“Armed with relevant information, the command embarked on an intelligence-led investigation which paid off when on 4/8/2023, the operatives arrested one Kabi Kester, aged 43.
“The suspect when interrogated, confessed to being a member of the gang that kidnapped the woman.
“His confession led to the arrest of two other suspects namely Henry Owojero, 42, and Franca Okuzor, a self-acclaimed pastor and wife to the leader of the gang named Celestine Okuzor Nova (at large) in whose house the victim was held captive for six days.
“They all confessed to their involvement in the kidnap and named four others: Celestine Okuzor Nova, Uche, Chinedu Etudo, and Nweke as members of the gang.
“An intensive manhunt for the other gang members is ongoing.”
Meanwhile, the command has intercepted 250 rounds of live cartridges along Benin-Asaba expressway on Aug. 3.
“On 3/8/2023 at about 1600hours, Police operatives attached to Dragon Patrol while on visibility and confidence-building patrol along Benin-Asaba Expressway at Issele-uku, intercepted a commercial Sienna vehicle and subjected the passengers and their bags to a search.
“During the search, two hundred and fifty rounds of live cartridges concealed in a bag were recovered.
“The owner of the bag identified as Omoruyi Osemudiamen, 46, was arrested and taken into custody. Investigation is ongoing.
“In another development, acting on a tip-off, on 3/8/2023, a combined team of Bufallo and Eagle-Net Special Squad of the command stormed summit road in Asaba and arrested one James Moro, aged 23, and a locally fabricated pump action gun was recovered from him.
“Investigation later revealed that the suspect uses the gun to rob innocent persons at night along that axis. Investigation is ongoing.” Edafe further said.
