Workman Kidnaps Landlord, Murders Him, Collects Ransom ln Delta

Operatives of the Delta police command have arrested a suspect over the murder of an 80-year-old man.

The victim, who wanted to renovate his apartment and give it to tenants, contracted a man to help with the renovation, only for the suspect to conspire with another suspect presently at large and kidnap the old man.

The man eventually slumped while they were at it, and instead of taking him to the hospital, they left him to die, and went ahead to call his son, demanding a ransom of #2,000,000, which the son paid to them.

Confirming the development, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, said the suspect is being investigated in order to arrest the other suspect at large.

“It is always advisable not to make certain movements alone, especially when you are dealing with people you don’t know; you never can tell.

Similarly, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber-Crime Squad, in a joint operation with the military on Thursday, shot two members of a kidnapping syndicate operating in Ubulu-Uku and neighbouring communities in Aniocha South local government area, Delta State.

The combined team of police and soldiers also rescued two female victims during the operation, while the sum of N4,200,000, believed to be part of the ransom collected from victims, was also recovered.

According to a statement by Edafe, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber-Crime Squad, in a joint operation with the military, trailed suspected kidnappers to their hideout along the power line in Ubulu-Uku in the early hours of the day.

The operation followed a reported kidnapping incident in Ibusa and Enu-Ani Mega City, Ogwashi-Uku.

On sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire, leading to a gun duel just as the confrontation resulted in the rescue of the two female victims, while the suspects sustained fatal gunshot injuries.

Edafe said the injured suspects were taken to the hospital, where they were confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

Items recovered from the scene include one AK-47 rifle, 19 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, and the sum of N4,200,000, suspected to be part of the ransom collected from victims.

Edafe added that a combing operation of the surrounding bushes is ongoing, with a view to recovering additional arms and apprehending fleeing members of the gang.

In his reaction, the State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives and the military’s support, noting that such inter-agency collaboration remains critical in tackling violent crimes.

He reassured residents that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to the police.