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Tag: kidnappers

  • I died, resurrected in kidnappers den, says ace musician

    I died, resurrected in kidnappers den, says ace musician

    Edo ace musician and social critic, Mr. Osayomore Joseph, has released more details about his experiences in the hands of his kidnappers in his latest album, “30 days and 30 nights in the evil forest”.

    The album was launched in Benin City on Sunday.

    Osayomore said he died and resurrected in the den of kidnappers.

    It would be recalled that Osayomore was abducted by gunmen on October 3 and released on November 2, while his wife was shot.

    In the album, Osayomore told his abductors that he can never be poor again no matter how much ransom that was collected from him.

    In the latest album, Osayomore said he was nicknamed ‘Container’ in the forest by his abductors.

    Osayomore said the word ‘Container’ means money to his abductors and urged the Ijaws to stop kidnapping activities in the state.

    He said it was wrong for the Ijaws to leave fishing in the waters and come to land to kidnap Benins for ransom payment.

    Narrating how he sustained injury on his leg, he said his captors took him on a bike for two hours and while on the bike, the tank fell on his leg.

    Despite the injuries to his leg, he said the kidnappers gave him the beating of his life.

    Osayomore further warned Ijaws not to incur the wrath of the Benin Monarch in the track “Aisiokuoba” adding that it was an aberration for his abductors to call themselves freedom fighters.

    “I was put in prison for criticising the government and now this boys that took me said they are freedom fighters. Who is fighting for freedom?

    “My experience in the hands of the kidnappers was horrible. I felt like someone who died and came back to life,” he said.

    Edo Commissioner of Police Edo State,  Babatunde Kokumo said he was disturbed when he heard of the kidnap of the music maestro.

    The CP said, “when I heard of the story of his kidnap, I was disturbed that the kidnappers, possibly, might not know the personality that they had kidnapped.

    “But bye and large, we thank God. I do not want to start revealing the activities and efforts of the police. But we thank God almighty today that he (Osayomore) is alive to entertain all of us.”

  • Senator Arise freed by kidnappers

    Senator Arise freed by kidnappers

    Senator Ayo Arise who was abducted last Sunday has reportedly been freed by his kidnappers.

    Details of his release was still sketchy as at the time of this report but it was learnt that Arise was on his way to Abuja.

    His release was confirmed by many indigines of his town, Oye-Ekiti who said they have been informed about the development.

    More details later…

     

     

     

  • Kidnappers free Senator Arise after six days in captivity

    Kidnappers free Senator Arise after six days in captivity

    After about six days in the kidnappers’ den, former Chairman of Senate Committee on Privatization, Senator Ayo Arise, has regained freedom.

    Arise was reportedly dropped at Ibillo town in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State by his captors.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Ekiti State was released unhurt Friday evening.

    Although details of his release were sketchy at the time of filing this report, it was not clear whether any ransom was paid.

    Arise was abducted at about 7.00 pm on Sunday at a location between Okene and Lokoja in Kog State while on his way to Abuja.

    His abductors later contacted family members and associates and demanded a ransom of N80 million.

    A childhood friend and old schoolmate, Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, confirmed the release of Arise to The Nation around 8.00 pm on Friday.

    Afuye said: “I spoke with him (Arise) after his release and he told me that he was dropped inside a bush in Ibillo after they had trekked long distances.

    “He said the kidnappers kept changing locations after he was kidnapped on Sunday so that they won’t be tracked down by security agencies.”

    A Facebook post Friday night by Arise’s political followers read: “We the entire camp of Senator Ayo Arise wish to appreciate the general public for your uncommon show of love and kindness during our trying times.

    “We appreciate your steadfastness and we are grateful for your prayers. We thank you for your brotherly concern. Senator Ayo Arise is back.”

    Arise represented Ekiti North Senatorial District in the upper Chamber between June 2007 and June 2011.

  • Abductors of PDP chair demand N100m – Police confirm

    Abductors of PDP chair demand N100m – Police confirm

    Kaduna Police Command has confirmed that, kidnappers of former Minister of Sports and Plateau State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Damishi Sango, and four others have demanded for N100m ransom.

    This was coming even as Inspector General of Police, Idris Ibrahim directed anti-kidnapping squad and other anti-crime teams to comb the bushes between Jos, Kaduna and Abuja and rescue the victims who were abducted by gunmen at Kurmi Jibril in Kagarko local government area of Kaduna State on their to Abuja on Wednesday.

    Other persons abducted alongside the PDP Chairman are one of the party elders in Plateau State, Chief Emmanuel Mangni, Sango’s son, his driver and his police orderly.

    The Spokesman for the command, ASP Mukhtar Aliyu who confirmed this in Kaduna on Friday said, combined efforts have been intensified to rescue them from their abductors as soon as possible.

    According to him, “yes we are aware of the development but IGP has ordered the anti-kidnapping and other rescue teams to comb the bushes around Jos, Kaduna and Abuja for their rescue.

    “We are also aware that the criminals made contact, demanding for N100 million ransom before they could be released.

    “But the Police is working hard to make the country safer. We are recording successes in our fight against crime and there is always room for improvement which we are doing. We have mounted surveillance to rescue them. Members of the public should continue avail the police useful information that can lead to arrest of criminal elements in our society”, he said.

    The victims were said to have been traveling to Abuja in their private vehicle to attend the national convention of PDP scheduled to hold on Saturday when they were intercepted and abducted on the fateful day about 52 kilometers to their destination.

  • 18-year-old rescued from kidnappers

    •One dead 

    The Quick Response Squad of the Nigeria Police Force in Warri, Delta State, yesterday rescued an 18-year-old girl from kidnappers in Effurun.

    The incident occurred about 9pm at Okoloba area, off Jakpa Road.

    It was gathered that one of the hoodlums was killed in a shootout. The victim sustained minor injuries and was rushed to Ekpan General Hospital.

    The culprits rode a tricycle (EFR 228 WX).

    “In an attempt to stop the tricycle, they (gang members) opened fire on our team,” a member of the QRS team said.

    Efforts to reach the QRS Commander, Alkali Lamido, were unsuccessful.

    However, a source at the Ogumu road office of the force confirmed the report, saying Lamido had briefed the Area Commander, who initiated the visibility patrol.

  • Police arrest three kidnappers in Kano

    Police arrest three kidnappers in Kano

    The police in Kano have smashed a notorious syndicate, which specialises in kidnapping children in Kano metropolis.

    Three of the five-man gang, led by Khalifa Usman aka Gurgu, were arrested; Two are at large.

    Its spokesperson, Magaji Majiya, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP) paraded the suspects at Bompai yesterday in Kano.

    He stated that “with the realisation of new trend of kidnapping of children in Kano metropolitan, the Commissioner of Police Rabiu Yusuf directed the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad to rise up to the challenge. The squad swung into action, and with the assistance of some strategic partners, a syndicate, led by Khalifa Usman a.k.a Gurgu of layin Pole Kurna Asabe Quarters in Kano, was busted. Other members of the syndicate arrested are Idris Aminu of Lokon Sheshe Quarters and Abdullahi Aminu a.k.a Sharu of Sharifai Quarters Kano While two others are at large.

    “The ring leader Usman and Aminu frequent various quarters of Kano Metropolis spying on houses and kidnapping children specifically in Dandishe, Dorayi Babba, Kofar Mazugal, Koki and Gwagwarwa quarters.

    “When they kidnap a child, they would meet with the other gang members, start making phone calls to negotiate with the parents for delivery of ransom.

    “While, the child will be whisked to a faraway town such as Gwarzo, Danbatta Gezawa and Sauna Quarters where they would be delivered to the house of a Village/Ward Head as a missing child. They will then continue to put pressure on the parents to submit the ransom which usually turns to be in recharge cards of various network providers.

    “So far, four parents had submitted to the demand and sent recharge cards worth N100,000 for the release of their wards.

    “Seven children aged between four and five were rescued. One GSM Phone, three SIMs and redeemed recharge cards were recovered and tendered as exhibits. All the suspects confessed to the crime.”

    He called on traditional rulers, religious and community leaders as well as the public to make proper documentation of persons conveying missing children.

    The command’s spokesman advised residents to report suspected adductors to the nearest police station.

     

  • Cripple, seven others arrested for kidnapping, robbery

    Cripple, seven others arrested for kidnapping, robbery

    The Police have arrested a cripple and seven others for their alleged involvement in kidnapping, armed robbery, car snatching and other criminal activities.

    The suspects paraded include; Umaru Ibrahim Mujuma, Jibrin Adamu, Samaila Haruna, Ibrahim Mohammed, Ibrahim Idris, Iliya Adamu,  Ifeanyi  Linus, Silas Kelvin and Kamilu Mohammed.

    The police claimed that the Cripple, Kamilu Mohammed, serves as the informant to the Kidnappers.

    The group were said to be responsible for the murder of a youth leader; Haruna Maikudi Maikaji who was killed in his farm at Sabon Gayan Village in Kaduna State on Sunday.

    Items recovered from them include; One AK47 rifle, one locally made revolver pistol, two single barrel locally made gun, seven rounds of AK47 ammunition, one round of live cartridges  and two Toyota Corolla Vehicles.

    A statement in Abuja Tuesday by the Force Spokesman CSP Jimoh Moshood reads: “In the course of investigation into the killing and the operation embarked by personnel of Operation Absolute Sanity in Sabon Gayan Village and environs to root out and arrest the killers of the Youth Leader, the Special Tactical Squad team attached to Operation Absolute Sanity on trail of the killers, were ambushed and attacked by the gang responsible for the killing of the Youth Leader.

    “The information to the Gang was traced to a Cripple, Kamilu Mohammed who phoned the Kidnappers to inform them that the Police are on their way to their hideout in the forest.

    “The Special Tactical Squad personnel attached to Operation Absolute Sanity repelled the attack and in the process, two of the suspected kidnappers died as a result of the superior fire power of the Police personnel.

    “The Cripple Kamilu Mohammed was later arrested and currently under investigation”.

    The police also noted that a Sergeant sustained injury and currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

    Moshood added that the suspects would be arraigned on completion of investigation into the cases against them.

  • Kwara Police Command parades alleged cultists, kidnappers, armed robbers

    The Kwara Police Command on Friday paraded eight suspects over alleged criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, being a member of secret cult and unlawful possession of firearms.

    The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Lawan Ado, disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the Police Headquarters in Ilorin.

    He listed the accused persons as – Qudus Alaya, Yusuf Olatunji, Salami Adesola, Sunday Oluwatobilola, Ridwan Musa, Sodiq Bakare, Quadri Adele and Johnpaul Nditusi.

    He said that the accused persons were arrested for allegedly killing of Allen Ahmed, Alimi Aliyu, Mumini Omo Alhaja and one Yusuf on Nov. 2 at Oke-Foma area of Ilorin.

    He said that one single barrel locally made gun, one double barrel locally made gun and five live cartridges were recovered from them.

    Ado also said that eight suspects were arrested for kidnapping one Usman Muhammed at Sabo-Osi in Ekiti Division and collected N500, 000 ransom from his family.

    He said that the suspects confessed to the crime.

    Ado said that N361, 150 being part of ransom collected from the victim’s family, two single barrel guns, seven mobile phones and dangerous charms were recovered from them.

    According to him, Jimoh Idowu and Taiye Plumber were arrested for dispossessing one Georgina Okoye of her Honda CRV Jeep with registration number Lagos AAA 362 AG at gun point on Oct. 12 at Asa-Dam Road, Ilorin.

    He said that the vehicle was later recovered at Ajese-Ipo in Irepodun Local Government area.

    The commissioner urged the people to provide information that would help the police to curb criminal activities.

  • Police arrest four suspected kidnappers, recover stolen car

    Men of the Abia State Police Command have arrested four suspected  kidnappers, who had been terrorizing residents of Aba.

    Sources at Ndiegoro Division revealed that  men of the station acting on a tip- off arrested one Charles Friday, Kenneth Ekpendu, Chidozie Samuel and Munachi Ebere at River Lay-out some distance to the popular Aba abattoir for allegedly kidnapping one Chinedu Nwokorie along Okigwe Road by Akalanna off Faulks Road Aba.

    The syndicate, The Nation learnt, collected a sum of N500, 000 as ransom before releasing their victim to his family.

    The victim’s Lexus car which was said to have been snatched by the same gang was recovered at Omoba in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state.

    In a related development,  a team of policemen on attached to Ndiegoro Police Station while on patrol also recovered a Toyota Lexus 300 Jeep marked KJA 769 DW Lagos State.

    The car was said to have been snatched from its owner identified simply as Francis along Obohia road Aba and was reportedly used in series of robbery operations by identified gunmen.

    A sum of N100,000.00 belonging to the victim, two GSM phones, two live and one shell of AK 47 ammunition were said to have been recovered from the vehicle.

    It was learnt that the gunmen on their way after an operation snatched the car at gunpoint and later abandoned it while being trailed by policemen and other security agencies.

    Police spokesman, Geoffrey Ogbonna confirmed the arrest of the suspects adding that efforst were on to unmask the gunmen who abandoned the Lexus SUV at Obohia axis of the commercial city.

  • Abia police parade suspected criminals

    Abia police parade suspected criminals

    The Abia State Commissioner of Police (CP) Anthony Ogbizi has paraded 14 suspected kidnappers and 10 suspected armed robbers in Umuahia, the state capital.

    Parading the suspects, Ogbizi said that the command is determined to rid the state of criminals and make it safe for those coming home for Christmas holidays and other engagements.

    Ogbizi said that policing has gone beyond the work of official officers and men of the police, stressing that it is the reason behind the community policing which has been yielding positive results in the state in particular and country at large.

    The Abia CP said that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Omoba division received information which led to the arrest of Victor Jonah 27 of Umuehim Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South at his hide out while his accomplice escaped.

    He said that the suspect had attempted to rob one Ikechukwu Orji of his motorcycle, “But when he was arrested one red Sanyang motorcycle with registration number QU 323 UYY suspected to have been stolen was recovered from him”.

    Ogbizi said that on the 3rd day of October this year that his men received a report from the DPO of Elimgbu in Rivers state that Pastor Raphael Antai has been abducted by unknown hoodlums in a Toyota Highlander SUV with the number LND 438 BK and headed towards Aba.

    He said, “My men moved into action by laying ambush for them which led to the arrest of Philip Iheakolam and Chimezie Abiaka both males and aged 33 and 39 years, when they came to remove the vehicle from where they hid it, the suspects and vehicle have been handed over to the Rivers state command”.

    The Abia state police boss said that his men also arrested three suspected kidnappers at the premises of Federal Government Girls’ College Umuahia while trying to escape from Ubakala youths.

    He gave the names of the suspects as Chinemereucheya Alozie, Emeka Ogbonna both males and Adaku Okereke female all of Ikem Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South, saying that the suspects who operate in a tricycle confessed to have picked up their  victim along Bank Road Umuahia.

    Ogbizi said that one of the victims of the syndicate who they had earlier swindled of the sum of N150,000 within the week has identified them, while one tricycle and GSM phone were recovered from them.

    The last of the suspected kidnappers to to paraded by the police were Kpobaril Menapene 49, Monday Nsam 35, Kikka Jigidam 29 and Nelson Enuu 25 from Ogoni in Rivers state, living at Owaza Ukwa West in Abia state.

    The suspects who were arrested by the men of F-SARS were alleged to have masterminded the kidnapping of Bar Azubuike Innocent in Port Harcourt in September this year.

    The Abia police boss said that the confession of Menapene led to the arrest of the other three while one locally made single barrel gun with one live cartridge were recovered from Enuu.

    Ogbizi paraded Ifeanyi Mba and Orji Uche both of Nguzu Edda, Ebonyi state who were arrested by the task forces of Ozu Abam and Ndiebe and handed over to the officer in charge of Abam police station, adding that they had injuries on their bodies.

    He said that the suspects who were brought in with two locally made guns were later identified by Samuel Irem as those who shot and killed his brother after robbing him of his motorcycle.

    Other nine suspected armed robbers were paraded, while stolen children who were rescued were also handed over to their parents by the Abia state police command, also stolen vehicles were recovered during the period under review by the command.