The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Kidnapper

Youths seize suspected fraudster, kidnapper

Two suspected fraudsters-cum-kidnappers were yesterday prevented from allegedly duping and abducting a girl, Jane Omaka, in Abia State.

The victim told The Nation at Amakanma in Umuahia South Local Government the men carried her at old Umuahia when she flagged down their tricycle (keke NAPEP) heading for Isigate.

She said she was surprised when they discussed gold and dollars, telling her they would make her rich.

Jane said: “At that juncture, I knew they were fraudsters. They detoured to Ubakala and I shouted for help. They later allowed me to alight.

“After coming down, I continued shouting that they were kidnappers and fraudsters. A commercial tricycle operator carried me and pursued them, accompanied by a commercial motorcyclist.

“When they noticed that we were after them, one of the hoodlums alighted at Holy Trinity Cathedral Anglican Church, while the other continued until we caught up with him at Amakanma where he abandoned the tricycle escaped into the bush

“Youths pursued the man and apprehended him. They beat him up.”

The suspect, who gave his name as Emmanuel Ikpeama, said he hailed from Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government.

He said he was a member of OBT and that they allowed the girl to alight when they found she had nothing valuable.

Ikpeama gave the name of his cohort, who escaped, as Chukwuma.

He said he did not know his surname, adding that he hailed from his area.

Police spokesman Nta Ogbonnaya said he was not aware of the incident.

The tricycle used by the suspects was registered as SSM 265, with association number 26001.

It was vandalised by youths.

April 7, 2017
I only assisted a man get his daughter, says suspected kidnapper

Twenty-eight-year-old Grace John accused of kidnapping her boss’ daughter, Oluwasemilore Adebiyi has said she only assisted the baby’s real father to collect her.

John was paraded at the Lagos State Police Command Tuesday alongside two other women- Rita Eze and Ugochi Nweke- alleged to be buyers of the three-year-old girl.

According to the apprentice, one Samuel approached her and told her that the baby’s mother, Mrs.

Oluwatobiloba Adebiyi was his lover and got pregnant for him before marrying another man.

She claimed it was the said Samuel who took her to the woman’s shop at Alagbado in January, where she later took the child and carried her to her alleged grandmother.

John denied reports that she was responsible for the kidnapping of other children across the state, insisting that she was not a kidnapping.

The police had alleged that the child was sold to three different buyers for N500, 000 and N600, 000 before her eventual rescue in Aba, Abia State.

But John said: “Samuel told me the woman was his former girlfriend who married another man and that he wanted to take his child from her for proper care.

“Samuel took me to the woman’s shop in Alagbado. I pretended that I want to learn bead making from her and we agreed on the modalities.

“After seven days, I told the woman I was going to buy gala and I took the girl with me to Kola bus stop where I met Samuel, who instructed me to take her to his grandmother in Onitsha, because he is in school.

“The following day, I boarded a bus to Onitsha and met the woman (Rita Eze). I handed over the child to her and she gave me the sum of N60, 000 for transport.

“I never knew the child was not Samuel’s and I have never thought what I did was kidnapping. I just wanted to help a man who cried to me that his child is not being properly taken care of. I have not done it before.”

Corroborating John’s story, Eze said she knew Samuel through an old classmate of hers, who told her they needed someone to take proper care of his child.

She however stated that after taking delivery of the child, Samuel told her to sell the gil and she obliged.

She said: “I met my old friend at an event in December and she told me her nephew (Samuel) has a child they need someone to take proper of.

“She gave Samuel my number and he called to say his girlfriend will bring a child from Lagos. When Grace brought the girl, Samuel told me to sell the girl which I gave to Ugochi.

“Ugochi gave me N500, 000. I gave Grace N60, 000 and took N40, 000. I sent the rest to Samuel. I never knew him before; I thought the child was his. I never knew the child was kidnapped. I only accepted to help sell the child because I needed money to pay my house rent.”

Nweke denied knowing the baby was kidnapped, adding that she didn’t collect a dime from the deal.

She said she accepted to buy the baby in order to help a friend of hers who couldn’t conceive.

Nweke said: “I told Rita if she has or know any motherless child that I have someone who is in need of a child to adopt and she told me she will get back to me.

“When she called me that she has the child, I asked if it is genuine and she said yes. I informed my friend who provided the money. I never took anything from the money. I handed everything to Rita.”

Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni said the suspects would be prosecuted at the conclusion of investigation.

March 14, 2017
Gunmen abandon vehicle as police foil kidnap attempt on Bishop

…As OPC kills notorious kidnapper

But for the intervention of the police, a Bishop and his wife would have been kidnapped at Isheri Osun, Lagos.

It was gathered that gunmen at the early hours of Tuesday intercepted the Bishop’s convoy and attempted to drag him off his vehicle.

They were said to have shot sporadically around 4:30am before getting to the vehicle conveying the cleric and his wife.

However, policemen attached to the Bishop were said to have engaged the criminals in a gun duel, which lasted several minutes.

As the fight lasted, the policemen, it was gathered called for reinforcement from Isheri Division, a development that forced the invaders to flee into a nearby swamp, abandoning their operational Honda vehicle.

Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni confirmed the incident, adding that the victims were unhurt.

According to Owoseni, the gunmen fled with bullet injuries, adding that the police have raised the area.

Owoseni also disclosed that the police on Monday recovered the body of a notorious kidnapper, Timi alias Big Fish at Ishawo.

The police boss stated that the deceased was killed by members of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) during an armed robbery operation.

He said: “We got a distress call that a group of armed robbers were operating at the area and we sent some policemen to the area. When our men got there, they discovered that the local vigilante group there rose to the challenge and faced the hoodlums squarely.

“We found the body of the kingping of the hoodlum. It was the killing of Timi Bigfish that made people say kidnappers have returned to Ishawo.”

March 14, 2017
Lagos to arraign kidnappers of Iba monarch Monday

The Lagos State Government on Sunday said it would arraign the key suspects arrested for the kidnap of the traditional ruler of Iba Town, Oba Goriola Oseni before a Lagos High Court in Igbosere on Monday, Oct. 24.

Mr Adeniji Kazeem, the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, said in a statement that the four suspects — Duba Furejo, Ododomo Isaiah, Reuben Anthony and Yerin Fresh would be arraigned before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo.

They are to be charged with conspiracy, murder, armed robbery and kidnapping

The statement said the suspects would be arraigned on eight count charges relating to kidnapping of the monarch, murder of the palace security guard — Sunday Okanlawon and a commercial motorcycle rider, Joseph Okeke.

It said they would also be charged for attempted murder of the monarch’s wife, Olori Abosede Oseni and robbery of her property.

According to the statement, the present administration is resolved to rid the state of all forms of criminality.

“The office of the Attorney General will work closely with all security agencies to ensure that all cases of kidnapping, cultism, rape, sexual and domestic violence crimes are swiftly prosecuted to a logical conclusion.

“The swift commencement of the trial of the suspects in the kidnap of the monarch is a strong signal by the administration of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode that it is not business as usual for criminals.

“If you commit a crime, we will find you and prosecute you no matter how long it takes.

“Gov. Ambode as part of his commitment to make the state a safe place to live in and do business, will continue to support law enforcement agencies in the investigation and apprehension of all criminals.

“The governor is also committed to ensuring that Lagos State becomes a no-go area for criminals who target innocent citizens for kidnapping and collection of ransom in an effort to get rich quick,” the statement said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on July 16, Okanlawon and Okeke were killed while the monarch was abducted and kept in captivity for about three weeks.

The sustained pressure and intelligence gathering from law enforcement agencies, however, led to the rescue of the monarch, while the four suspects were apprehended in the process.

October 23, 2016
Kastina Emir accused of marrying off kidnapped 14-year-old girl

Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Usman have been accused of marrying off, fourteen year old Habiba Isiyaku to her kidnapper.

The fourteen year old who according to her father, Mal. Isiyaku Tanko was kidnapped from school, Government Senior Secondary School, Kudun Kankara, Kastina State by one Jamilu Lawal, has been forcefully converted to Islam and married off by the Emir without her parents concept.

Mal. Tanko who was made to present his case by the Stefanos Foundation at a press conference in Abuja, stated that Jamilu had not only admitted to abducting his daughter but also revealed that she is presently being kept at the Palace of the Emir of Katsina.

He added that the Emir had informed him that his daughter had been converted to Islam and he had received the sum of N50, 000.00 as dowry from Jamilu Ibrahim, he also said the Emir had informed him that he will marry Habiba off to Jamilu in accordance with islamic rites and injunctions.

His words, “My little girl was abducted on the 16th of August 2016 from her school. After my investigations, I discovered that Jamilu Lawal who lives in the same community was responsible for my daughters’ disappearance.

“I requested that a formal complaint about the incident be lodged to the Commissioner of Police in Kastina, Jamilu and his parents were summoned to the police station and he not only admitted to abducting my daughter Habiba but also revealed that she was presently being kept at the Palace of the Emir of Kastina.

“On arrival at the Palace, the Emir informed me that my daughter has been converted from Christianity to Islam henceforth, there is no longer any relationship between me and my daughter and we can no longer inherit each other.

“He further informed me that he has received the sum if N50, 000.00 as dowry from Jamilu Ibrahim for my daughter therefore, he will give her out in marriage in accordance with Islamic rites and injunctions.

He accused me of defaming him at the Police Station and I was threatened, intimidated and coerced to sign an apology drafted on my behalf in his Palace.

“As at today, I am aware that the Emir of Kastina has gone ahead to marry out my little girl without my consent, having received a dowry he is not entitled to receive, it fills me with so much pain and grief to realize that my daughter, who will turn 15 this Saturday the 15th may be celebrating her birthday in a forced marriage.

“I appeal to all well-meaning Nigerians and those in authority to help join hands to see that my daughter is released to me though the violations already done to her person may be irreversible. I further appeal that the Incident be well investigated and diligently prosecuted.”

Programme Coordinator for Stafanos Foundation, Mark Lipdo, a Non-Governmental Organization assisting the parents with the release of Habiba stated.

“We have been trying to intervene in the conflicts going on in Nigeria, we believe in the human rights of all citizens and encourage that fundamental rights be upheld at all times to maintain a sane society.

“Many times we call on the appropriate authorities to act like in the case of Habiba Isiyaku, such incidents can make conflicts continue in Nigeria.

“Habiba is a girl that just completed her Junior Secondary school and had very good grades, she had so much prospects only to be abducted, when her parents were invited to the Emirs palaceN she was brought out in a hijab and he told them that they no longer have any relationship with the girl anymore because she has been converted to Islam and that he the Emir of Katsina has now become the father of the girl and he can do whatever he wants with her.

“After a few days that the father was sent back, we followed with the Commissioner of Police to try to get the girl, we took a lawyer with us as Stefanos Foundation to stand with the parents to demand for their rights but the rights where denied, we petitioned the Inspector General (IG) of Police here in Abuja to see if he can secure the girls release but till date, he is yet to respond, we brought the parents to Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for help, to see if they can help secure her release and they said that they will be following the matter up with the IG, but up till today, nothing, we have been in this town for three days now we have not heard anything from CAN and the IG.

“The girl is a minor and things like this has to stop happening in this country because if it continues, people are going to result to self-help because where a person has been told his right but he it has been deliberately refused it, if the person has any strength, he will result to self-help.”

October 12, 2016
Mob attack suspected kidnapper

A suspected kidnapper was yesterday beaten to a pulp by a mob at Olowo Street in Mushin, Lagos.

Charles Ibeleme, allegedly abducted a boy but was apprehended by angry residents who dragged him inside the gutter.

It was learnt that the mob was about setting him ablaze when policemen from Olosan Division arrived and took him away.

An eyewitnesas claimed the man was about exchanging his victim for a bag of rice, but was intercepted by a relative of the victim.

According to him, the boy was hypnotised and taken to a different direction from his route.

The witness said the boy regained consciousness when the relative caught the suspect and demanded to know who he was.

He said: ‘‘He claimed he was the boy’s brother. The boy was sent to buy sachet water but he kidnapped him and took him to another direction. It was the person who sent the boy on the errand that went out to look for him, only to find him walking with a stranger.

‘‘The boy came back to his senses when he claimed he was his brother. He denied knowing the man and that was how people started beating him. He then confessed that he was taking the boy to the people he works for.’’

Contacted, spokesperson for the command, Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent of Police (SP) said: “Operatives from Olosan Division in Mushin rescued the man while being mobbed on allegation of attempted kidnap. The Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, has directed the case to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department,SCIID for further investigation.“

September 15, 2016
Suspected kidnapper blames ‘change’ for action

A suspected kidnapper, (name withheld), was on Wednesday arrested at Olowo Street, Odi-olowo, Lagos.

The suspect, who pleaded with an angry mob not to lynch him, said he takes to kidnapping because of the current economic situation in the country.

The victim, who was visibly shaken by the development, has been taken to hospital for treatment.

The suspect was also handed over to the police for further investigation into the matter.

Photo by Damilare, eyewitness

Photo by Damilare, eyewitness

Photo by Damilare, eyewitness

Photo by Damilare, eyewitness

Photo: Oluwadamilare

September 14, 2016
Suspected kidnapper’s case worries police

Is Chizoba Maduegbunam is a kidnapper? She was apprehended by residents of Ijanikin on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway last Thursday over the disappearance of a primary school girl at Vespa Market two days earlier.

The operatives at Ijanikin Police Station, where she is being held, told The Nation that they were yet to ascertain the residents claim that she is a kidnapper.

The suspect was handed over to the police by Onijanikin of Ijanikin, Oba Momodu Asafa, when the residents brought her to him after beating her up.

Residents, who spoke with our reporter, said kidnapping and related crimes are on the rise in the neighbourhood. About five months ago, a teenager was caught with the butchered body of a year-old baby kept in a sack.

At the Ijanikin Police Station, the suspected kidnapper sounded incoherent turning a chat with The Nation.

Speaking in Igbo, which was interpreted by officer in pidgin English, she said she arrived in Lagos three months ago after losing her parents.

June 20, 2016
Ortom offers N5million for information on kidnapped priest

Governor Samuel Ortom has offered to pay N5 million for information on the whereabouts of Very Reverend Father John Adeyi, the kidnapped Vicar General of Otukpo Catholic Diocese.

The government said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and ICT, MR Tahav Agerzua, that it was regrettable that one month after the unfortunate incident, security agents were yet to apprehend the culprits and rescue the priest and appealed to members of the public to assist with information about the whereabouts of the priest.

He said any person or group who offers such information would be paid N5 million as reward and expressed worries of the government and people of the state on the incident.

He said security agents have acted on previous information and combed several places without positive results, hence the imperative of making the offer.

Governor Ortom also solicited sustained prayers for the release of the priest adding that with God, nothing is impossible.

He assured the Christian community that the government and entire people of the state were in solidarity with them for the rescue of the priest.

He also expressed sympathy with the family of the late General Gabriel Kpamber (retired) who lost his life in a fatal motor accident at the weekend and prayed God comfort them and the entire people of the state on the irreparable loss.

The Governor said after serving his country meritoriously in the armed forces the late Kpamber also offered dedicated service to the state as chairman of the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission, BESIEC, and requested peaceful repose of his soul.

May 16, 2016
Wanted Akwa Ibom suspected kidnapper’ arrested in Lagos

HE fled from the law in Akwa Ibom State, but Sunday Ukpe, a suspected serial killer and kidnapper, was arrested in Lagos.

Ukpe, 33, was arrested by policemen from the Ajangbadi Division on Sunday evening, with a bullet wound on his manhood.

He was alleged to have been applying native medicine on the injury at 113, Zone 6, Orisha Imude Street, Ajangbadi in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State when the police invaded his hideout at about 4pm.

It was gathered that the suspect has been on the wanted list of the Akwa Ibom Police Command for some armed robbery, kidnapping and murder cases.

The police, it was gathered took him to a private hospital after his arrest because of the severity of his injury.

Ukpe was said to have been on admission at the hospital under police surveillance till yesterday morning.

Police spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent (SP), said the division received a call from Akwa Ibom at about 2pm on Sunday and the suspect was arrested same day.

She said: “Investigation extended to Akwa Ibom state police command confirmed that the suspect is a serial killer and armed robber who has been on the wanted list of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of that state.

“Effort is ongoing to hand him over to Akwa Ibom State Command for discreet investigation.

“The Lagos State Command has stated that it will continue to clamp down on all criminals within Lagos State regardless of where they have committed their crimes,” she said.

May 11, 2016