Metro

Police Arrest Eight Suspected Kidnappers, Recover N4m Ransom In Delta

Published

12 months ago

May 15, 2025

Editor

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

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

5 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days 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.