Three suspects have been arrested for the kidnap of a couple, Mr and Mrs Okutonye Efetobore in Ughellli town. The suspects allegedly collected a ransom of N1 million before they were released.
Their arrest was due to the directive by the commissioner of police in Delta State, CP Wale Abass, that the Command Decoy Squad should embark on an intelligence-led investigation and ensure that the kidnappers were arrested and brought to book.
In compliance with the CP’s directive, operatives of the Decoy Squad led by the commander, Julius Robinson, acting on credible intelligence, embarked on a sting operation and arrested one Emmanuel James, aged 32 years of Otor-Udu, Ughelli South local government area, who is suspected to be the leader of the gang.
The suspect led the operatives to Ejewu community, Udu local government area and arrested the syndicate driver, one Ejiro Peter, aged 25years, a native of Kokori community in Ethiope East local government area.
The suspects led the operatives to another notorious member of their criminal gang whose real name is unknown but fondly called “Oh Lord” at Egbike area in Udu.
According to the public relations officer (PPRO), Delta State Command, Bright Edafe, the suspect, upon sighting the police, engaged them in a gun duel and escaped through the ceiling of his apartment with bullet injuries.
“They confessed to their involvements in series of armed robbery, kidnapping operations in Ughelli and Warri which includes the kidnap of Mr and Mrs Okutonye Efetobore at Ughellli town and a ransom of #1,000,000 was paid before the couple was released.
“When his apartment was searched, a bag containing a locally fabricated pistol and three rounds of 7.62 AK47 live ammunition were recovered,” Edafe said.
He said the manhunt for the fleeing suspect has begun.
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