By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
The Police in Akwa Ibom in its quest to making the state safe from criminal elements, has arrested four Suspected kidnappers in military uniform.
A police statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Timfon John and made available to newsmen yesterday said the suspects were arrested during a kidnap operation in Uyo.
The suspects were said to have earlier kidnapped a man and were on the verge of kidnapping his friend when they were nabbed following a distress call from members of the public.
“On 24/05/2024 at about 23:00hrs, the Command received a distress call giving notification of a kidnap incident at Utang Street by Gibbs Street, Uyo. The Command’s Anti-Robbery Squad immediately swung into action and mobilized to the scene where four suspects namely; Abdulkarem Yusuf ‘m’, Yusuf Waziri ‘m’, Inbinabo Sunny Iboroma ‘m’ and Abdulrahman Abbas ‘m’ were arrested.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had earlier kidnapped one Abraham Ekpe at Ring Road 3, Opposite Cemetery. The gang members were arrested while they were on the verge of kidnapping one “Richie”, the friend of their victim (Abraham Ekpe). Their plan was to take them to the Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
“Further investigation also revealed that they had demanded a ransom of five million naira from their victim but he could not pay, prompting them to also kidnap his friend. The victims were all rescued successfully and have been reunited with their families.
“One red colour Honda Accord car with registration number BJ 615 ABC, one handcuff, one dagger were recovered. The suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigation.” The statement explained.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Waheed Ayilara has reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to making Akwa Ibom inhabitable for criminals and had admonished members of the public to report any suspicious act or movement to the Police.
