N40,000 Job Gone Wrong: Suspect Says Neighbour Hired Gang to Kidnap Rivers Woman for Ransom
A 35-year-old man arrested over the abduction of a Rivers State businesswoman has confessed that he joined the kidnap gang for just N40,000, and that the victim’s neighbour allegedly gave them the tip.
The suspect, Victor Ini, a native of Akwa Ibom State, was paraded on Wednesday in an interrogation video released by the Rivers State Police Command.
Ini claimed he had no prior experience in kidnapping and was lured into the operation by promises of quick cash.
“We went to the woman’s shop to collect money from her, then drop her and leave. Her neighbour, Chukwuebuka, sent us on the attack. He told us the man had plenty of money and would give it to us. It was my first day with them. They had been monitoring her, but it was my first time,” he said.
He listed other gang members as Chukwuebuka, Chinedu, Okwozichi and Evance.
“They promised to give me N40,000. This is my first time in the business and I have not made any money,” he added.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Blessing Agabe, the victim, Loveth, was abducted on September 2, 2026, while seated in front of her shop.
Agabe said armed men fired shots into the air, forced her into a vehicle, and drove away.
In an intelligence-led operation, operatives of the Eleme Police Division tracked the suspects and engaged them in a gun battle. Ini was arrested during the shootout.
Police recovered several items from the suspects, including:
– One silver-coloured mini Keke bus with registration number RBC 992 XE, Abuja
– Two locally made pistols
– One live ammunition
– One mobile phone
– Two identity cards
– Two black gowns
– One vehicle number plate with registration number KRK 528 HG
Agabe said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing members of the gang.
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, assured residents that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property.
“There will be no haven for criminals in Rivers State,” Adepoju warned. He also urged the public to provide credible information to help police tackle crime.
The case highlights a disturbing trend of insider tips in kidnapping operations, where neighbours or acquaintances allegedly point out targets for a cut.
The investigation is ongoing.