Police Nab 8 Members Of Cybercrime, Kidnapping Syndicate In Rivers

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested eight suspected kidnappers and cyber fraudsters and rescued one kidnap victim during a raid in their hideout at Umuebule 1 community in Etche local government area of Rivers State.

This is as they arrested three suspected street light vandals in Borokiri axis of Port Harcourt City local government area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP in Port Harcourt yesterday, said the suspected cyber fraudsters and kidnappers were arrested by operatives of the Hawk Tactical Team of the command following intelligence report.

Iringe-Koko gave the names of those arrested as Desmond Williams, aged 19; Isaac Patrick, aged 22; Prince Nelson, aged 17; John Ahmed, aged 17; Thankgod Neesogho, aged 22; Christian Adewale, aged 22; Uche Alaga, aged 16, and Nwika Fakae aged 22 all males.

The statement reads in part: “Operatives of Hawk Tactical Team of the Rivers State Police Command on Tuesday, 9th May, 2023, while acting on reliable intelligence on the activities of some suspected kidnappers and cyber fraudsters, raided a hideout in Cypo Estate, Umuebule 1, Etche LGA.

“In the process, eight (8) suspects: namely Desmond Williams aged 19, Isaac Patrick aged 22, Prince Nelson aged 17, John Ahmed aged 17, Thankgod Neesogho aged 22, Christian Adewale aged 22, Uche Alaga aged 16, and Nwika Fakae aged 22 all male, were arrested; while one victim (name withheld) aged 20 years was rescued.

“The suspects in their confession revealed that their modus operandi include defrauding innocent victims online and fleecing them of their hard-earned money and luring unsuspecting victims to their hideout and using them as baits to fleece their family members and loved ones.

“The victim was lured by his friend who promised to give him a job in the hotel. When the job wasn’t forthcoming, the victim opted to go back to his home, but his captors wouldn’t let him. For his insistence, victim was beaten severely and inflicted with body injuries. Suspects thereafter demanded #500,000 ransom from victim’s parents.

“Exhibits recovered from them include seven (7) laptops and some substance suspected to be illicit hard drugs. Investigation is ongoing.”

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has said it’s operatives arrested three suspected street light vandals, following a tip of from leaders of Borokiri community in Port Harcourt City local government area.

The Police image-maker in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, said three suspects that were arrested include Belema Aggo “M,” Michael Edet “M,” and George Itarikabo “M,”.

The statement reads in part: “In another development, Rivers State Police have arrested three street light vandals.

“Acting on information provided by Community leaders in Borokiri, Operatives from Borokiri Division arrested three young men, namely: Belema Aggo “M,” Michael Edet “M,” and George Itarikabo “M,” in the act of vandalizing street lights provided for the community by NDDC.

“Suspects and exhibits, which include eight solar panels, eight heavy duty batteries and two street lights, recovered are in Police custody, while investigation is ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang, as well as receivers of previously stolen items.

“Meanwhile, residents of the state have been called upon to remain supportive, law-abiding, and vigilant and promptly report acts of crime and criminality to the nearest police station or by calling the command’s emergency hotlines on 08032003514 and 08098880134.”