Suspected kidnapper and killer of Obi of Ubulu-Uku kingdom in Delta State, Edward Akaeze Ofulue III, has been apprehended by a team of special anti-kidnapping operatives.
Parading the suspect at a press conference at the Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, yesterday, the Force PRO, DCP Don Awunah said the notorious kidnapper, Umar Mohammed (aka ‘Small’), was arrested on July 19 at about 1430hrs at Abraka market area of Asaba, Delta State capital.
Also three prople were reported killed in a renewed cult war in Edo state.
Awunah said Umar was one of the wanted kidnappers responsible for the kidnap and murder of Obi Ofulue on January 5 along Obior/Igbodo link road in Delta State.
According to the force spokesman, one of the victims who escaped from the kidnappers identified Umar as one of the kidnappers that robbed and kidnapped them along with the late traditional ruler.
“The suspect has confessed to be a member of the kidnapping gang that kidnapped and killed the monarch. Meanwhile, investigation is being intensified to arrest other members of the gang and bring them to justice,” Awunah said.
The spokesman also paraded six other kidnap suspects who were apprehended from different locations; they include one Vincent Obukowho who was tracked, trailed and arrested at Badagry area of Lagos State.
“The suspect confessed to be part of the kidnapping gang that kidnapped Mr. Stephen Ademorah, a staff of Nigeria Gas Company, Obeh in Edo State, on May 11 at Jesse town, Delta State. The victim’s phone was recovered from the suspect. Investigation is ongoing to arrest other members of the gang. Case will be charged to court on completion of investigation,” he promised.
Other suspected kidnappers, Mkpere Johnson, Oghenerouna Umukoro, Blessing Akperere and Evidence Okoro were arrested at Ekravwhe and Erhanakare towns in Delta, and the police chief said during investigation, the suspects admitted and confessed to the kidnap of one Mrs Helen Queen Otteh of Ogbono-Orogun town on August 14.
“She was subsequently rescued without payment of ransom and in good health condition on the same date by the police team at about 1930hrs. The victim’s Hyundai car with registration number AS 189 was recovered from the hoodlums. Investigation is being intensified to arrest other members of the gang. All suspects will be arraigned in court on completion of investigation.”
Similarly, working on an actionable intelligence, a team of policemen attached to Onicho-Olona Divisional Police headquarters arrested two suspects namely, Awalu Godwin and Odogwu Frank at Illah town.
“The suspects were arrested in connection with the kidnap of Ibekwe Udoh and Chiedu Okere. The suspects confessed to the crime and their victims were rescued the same date at the scene of ransom collection,” the Force PRO revealed.
NIGERIA PILOT
