Kidnapping Gang Arrested After Collecting N1 Million Ransom

A reputed kidnapping kingpin and another individual have been detained by Delta State Police Command agents for their roles in a string of armed robbery and kidnapping operations in Ughelli and Warri.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Bright Edafe, revealed this in a statement on Sunday, May 14, 2023. He claimed the criminal organization’s kingpin, Emmanuel James, and his crew kidnapped Mr and Mrs Okutonye Efetobore and demanded N1m in ransom before releasing them.

The syndicate driver, one Ejiro Peter, 25, a member of Kokori community in Ethiope East LGA, was detained when the suspect directed agents to Ejewu community in Udu Local Government Area.

The two kidnap suspects also directed police to another infamous member of their criminal gang known as “oh lord” in the Egbike neighbourhood of Udu, according to the PPRO.

When the suspect saw the police, he started a gunfight with them and wounded himself with a bullet before fleeing through the ceiling of his apartment.

Read Also: Pope Francis Meets Zelenskyy In The Vatican

“Sequel to the kidnap of Mr and Mrs Okutonye Efetobore on 27/04/2023 in Ughellli town, and a ransom of one million naira was paid before their release, the Commissioner of Police Delta state, CP Wale Abass psc, directed the Command Decoy squad to embark on an intelligence-led investigation and ensure that the kidnappers are arrested and brought to book,” the statement read.

“In compliance with the CP’s directive, on 11/05/2023, at about 2315hrs, operatives of the command Decoy squad led by the commander, Asp Julius Robinson acting on credible intelligence gathered, embarked on a sting operation and arrested one Emmanuel James ‘m’ aged 32yrs of Otor-Udu, Ughelli South LGA, who is suspected to be the leader of the gang.

“On 12/05/2023, at about 0230hrs, the suspect led the operatives to Ejewu community, Udu LGA and arrested the syndicate driver, one Ejiro Peter ‘m’ aged 25yrs, a native of Kokori community in Ethiope East LGA.

“They confessed to their involvement in a series of armed robbery and kidnapping operations in Ughelli and Warri which includes the kidnap of Mr. and Mrs. Okutonye Efetobore on 27/04/2023, at Ughellli town and a ransom of one million naira (#1,000,000.00) was paid before the couple was released.

“On 12/05/2023, 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.

“The suspect, upon sighting the police, engaged them in a gun duel and escaped through the ceiling of his apartment with bullet injuries. When his apartment was searched, a bag containing a locally fabricated pistol and three (03) rounds of 7.62 AK47 live ammunition were recovered. Manhunt for the fleeing suspect is ongoing.

“The Commissioner of Police Delta State command, CP Wale Abass, assures residents that the command will be working round the clock to ensure that anyone terrorizing the state will be arrested and brought to justice.”