Metro

Police Arrest Eight Suspected Kidnappers, Recover N4m Ransom In Delta

Published

12 months ago

May 15, 2025

The Delta State Police Command has arrested over eight suspected kidnappers and recovered N4 million ransom from them.

Parading the suspects on Thursday at the police headquarters in Asaba, the Delta State capital, Commissioner of Police Abaniwonda Olufemi said the command is tackling the menace of kidnapping with all available resources to ensure the arrest and prosecution of these hoodlums disturbing the peace in Delta State.

He said, “Proactive policing, intelligence gathering and raid of criminal hideouts are part of the proactive policing approach of the Command.

“I welcome you all to this press briefing where I will be showcasing some of the command’s achievements in the past one week.

“On May 12, 2025, operatives of the Dragon patrol team, while conducting a stop and search along Kwale/Ozoro express road, intercepted a gold colour Toyota Sienna bus loaded with passengers from Ughelli en route to Asaba.

“Upon search of the vehicle, the sum of N3.1 million was recovered from four suspects: Abubakar Alwalu, 25, Usman Husseini, 25, Adamu Mohammed, 30, and Anwalu Umaru, 23.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects belong to a gang of five and were allegedly responsible for the kidnapping of a lady at Ughelli in her house, held her captive for four days, and collected a ransom of 4 million. The victim has identified the four suspects. Investigation is ongoing.

“Also, on May 10, 2025, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) trailed and arrested a suspected kidnapper and gang leader named Abdullahi Ibrahim, 22, of Ekenwa Community in Ovia North-East LGA of Edo State at Ore town of Ondo State.

“The suspect led the operative to the arrest of another suspects and member of his gang known as Adamu Usman 24, both taking refuge in Ore town.

“Upon interrogation, suspects led operatives to a forest along Ore-Lagos expressway by a popular area called “Stepdown” where one AK 47 rifle loaded with 14 rounds of live ammunition and a locally made long gun with 6 rounds of live cartridges were recovered. Suspects are in custody and the investigation is ongoing.”

CP Olufemi said the command arrested another suspected kidnapper and recovered one AK-47 rifle, N900,000 ransom, among others.

According to Olufemi, on the same May 12, 2025, acting on credible intelligence relating to a kidnap incident at Itego community, Ibusa, where one man (name withheld) was kidnapped and an undisclosed amount was paid as ransom.

“The Commander Special Anti-kidnapping and cyber-crime squad swiftly mobilize operatives and stormed Koka junction Asaba where one of the suspects later identified as Lawal Tasiu 26, resident of FCT Abuja was arrested after a hot chase.

“Upon search of the suspect, the sum of N900,000 was recovered from him. During Interrogation, the suspect stated that he is a member of a syndicate terrorizing Ibusa/Ogwashi-Uku/Issele-Azagbe environs, and the money in his possession is part of his share of the ransom collected.

“On May 13, 2025, the suspect led operatives to their hideout at Issele-Azagba area where one AK 47 rifle, one pump action gun, two AK 47 magazines, 87 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered.”

In another development, CP Olufemi said the command arrested a child trafficking suspect who drugged a mother with a juice and made away with her two-month-old baby boy in the Warri area.

He said DPO Ekpan Police station embarked on an intelligence-led investigation, trailed and arrested the suspect Mrs Joy Temitope Oyetimi 49, and after discreet interrogation, the suspects stated that indeed she was the one who stole the baby, noting that the baby who is now five months old has been rescued and handed over to his parent.
(PUNCH)

Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.

Metro

Grandfathers Arrested For Drug Trafficking

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

Two grandfathers, aged 83 and 78, are among several suspects apprehended by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a fresh nationwide crackdown on illicit drug trafficking.

Pa John Ofiel, 83, was arrested on Tuesday, 28 April during a raid in the Aba region of Abia State.

The NDLEA said that operatives acting on credible intelligence recovered 700 grams of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis already packaged into retail sachets.

The octogenarian, who claimed to be a professional shoemaker allegedly confessed to delving into the illicit trade.

In Ekiti State on Thursday 30 April 78 year old Ogunjobi Samuel was detained at his residence in Ilupeju-Ekiti where officers seized 350 grams of cannabis from him, identifying him as a local peddler.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, (CCEO), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), commended the various state commands for their drug supply reduction efforts.

He urged officers to maintain the current momentum, balancing enforcement with the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities.
The enforcement drive also led to the arrest of a notorious drug dealer in Oyo State Taofik Adeyemi, 49.

He was apprehended on Saturday, 2 May, at his residence in Ibadan after months of evading the authorities.

He was caught alongside his salesman, Mustapha Oyerinde, with 3.085kg of cannabis and a getaway vehicle.

Across other states, the NDLEA recorded significant seizures including over 140,000 pills and capsules of Tramadol intercepted in separate operations targeting transit routes from Damaturu to Hadejia.

A raid on Awolowo Market in Mushin area of Lagos state resulted in the recovery of 740kg of cannabis while in Kaduna, two suspects were caught on the Abuja-Jos highway with 290kg of compressed cannabis concealed in a Honda Ridgeline.

A 65-year-old driver was intercepted at the Ile-Ife toll gate in Osun state conveying skunk and methamphetamine, leading to a follow up arrest of the consignment’s owner in Ilesha.

In line with it’s mandate, the NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy, holding enlightenment lectures for students, Islamic schools, and commercial motorcyclists in Niger, Kano, Anambra, and Lagos states.

The NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, noted that the agency remains committed to “cleansing the streets” of both notorious distributors and those who use age as a shield for criminal activity.