Yahaya Bello, Aliyu Usman, Sule Abubakar, and Abdullahi Adamu have been captured by law enforcement officials for purportedly kidnapping four employees who were conducting an inspection of property in Okocha community, Igbo-Etche, Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State.
Furthermore, the police have apprehended Godfrey Odum in connection with the abduction of a student from Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, identified as Precious Chukwu.
In a statement, Grace Iringe-Koko, serving as the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), emphasized that the concern underscores the relentless efforts of law enforcement to address the scourge of kidnapping within the state.
According to the statement, the inquiry that culminated in the capture of the kidnappers commenced after a report was lodged by the management of Lujo Heights Homes on January 19, 2024.
The police said: ‘The report detailed the disappearance of four staff members during a routine property inspection in Okocha Community, Igbo-Etche, Etche Local Government Area. Despite repeated attempts to establish contact, there was no response from the missing individuals.
‘Through meticulous intelligence-gathering efforts, the police apprehended four suspects believed to be connected to the incident. During questioning, these suspects confessed to their involvement in the abduction of the victims, as well as the subsequent destruction of the Toyota Sequoia SUV they were traveling in.
‘The victims, who endured a harrowing ordeal in the forests of Etche, recounted being subjected to inhumane treatment and constant threats of death unless a ransom of NGN 300,000,000 was paid for their release.
‘Investigations revealed that these individuals are part of a criminal network predominantly comprised of Fulani individuals operating under the guise of cattle rearers, they have been engaged in a series of kidnappings across Rivers, Delta, and Edo states.
‘In Port Harcourt, they had taken up residence in Valley Decision Estate, where they deceitfully convinced the community to grant them access to the land, purportedly for protection against land grabbers’.
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Profiling the suspects, the police said Aliyu Usman, aged 33 from Kebbi State, emerged as a central figure in the criminal operations adding that he had been working as a security guard in Valley Decision Estate, Rumukwurushi, facilitating the infiltration of criminals.
The statement said: ‘Sule Abubakar, aged 25 was brought into the gang by Aliyu with the aim of strengthening their criminal activities in Port Harcourt. During interrogation, Sule confessed to his participation in his first kidnapping assignment in Edo State, alongside his elder brother who is currently at large.
‘Abdullahi Adamu, aged 20 from Taraba State, had recently arrived in Port Harcourt and was undergoing training in criminal operations under the guidance of Aliyu.
‘Furthermore, Mallam Yahaya, who had been supplying food to the captors, was also apprehended. He admitted to receiving a sum of NGN 470,000 as his share of the ransom’.
According to reports from the authorities, amidst the operations, law enforcement seized a pair of homemade firearms, two mobile devices, and a black Toyota Sequoia linked to the criminal syndicate.
Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing to track down other individuals affiliated with the criminal ring who have yet to be apprehended.
On the incident at the polytechnic, the statement said: ‘The Anti-Cultism Unit successfully arrested a notorious cultist and kidnapper known as Godfrey Odum. Godfrey was implicated in the abduction of Precious Chukwu, a student of Elechi Amadi Polytechnic.
‘The victim was eventually released after being robbed of her belongings. Godfrey has confessed to the crime and has provided crucial information regarding the identities of other gang members involved.
‘The Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, expressed his commendation for the outstanding efforts of the officers of Rivers State Police Command in combatting crime and ensuring the safety of residents.
‘He advised residents to be careful when hiring security personnel and reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to rid the state of criminal elements. The Commissioner urged all residents to remain law-abiding citizens and to cooperate with the police in their efforts to maintain peace and security within the state.
‘The Rivers State Police Command continues to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and protection of all residents. The public is urged to provide any relevant information that may assist in ongoing investigations’.