The Edo State Police Command has arrested an ex-convict, Richard John Abdullahi, for kidnapping and armed robbery.
The spokesperson of the command, SP Moses Joel Yamu, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, September 27, 2024, said the suspect and his gang members invaded the home of one Promise Ehichoya in Ekpoma, abducted him and collected a ransom of N6,000,000 before releasing him.
The suspects also made away with the victim’s vehicle and other household items, including phones of various make, electronics, jewellery and clothing from the house.
According to the PPRO, operatives of the State Intelligence Department SID, trailed and arrested Abdullahi at the Zone C area of Apo resettlement quarters, Abuja.
The suspect mentioned other members of the gang including one Lucky whom he met while serving a jail term at the Koton-Karfe Prison in Kogi State.
“On 7th May, 2024 at about 1am, a masked gang of armed robbers/kidnappers invaded the home of one Promise Ehichoya at Illela quarters in Ekpoma, tied him up, took him to an unknown destination and collected a ransom of #6,000,000 before releasing him,” the statement read.
“The suspects made away with the victim’s vehicle and other household items including phones of various make, electronics, jewelries and clothing from the house. However, his vehicle, a Toyota Venza with Reg No LND 438 HM was later abandoned and recovered to the station.
“Acting on technologically driven intelligence, operatives of the State Intelligence Department SID, trailed and arrested one Richard John Abdullahi 40yrs at the Zone C area of Apo resettlement quarters, Abuja.
“A beretta pistol with three (3) live ammunitions was recovered from a bag in his possession. Further search in his home led to the recovery of the gold chain and bracelet earlier stolen during the kidnap incident in Ekpoma.
“The arrested suspect mentioned other members of the gang now at large as Ishmael Peter (Gang Leader), Emmanuel Audu and one Lucky whom he met while serving jail term at the Koton-Karfe Prison, Kogi State.
“He led the operatives to the homes of Emmanuel Audu and Ishmael Peter where some electronics and clothing earlier stolen from the victim were recovered, but the suspects were unfortunately nowhere to be found.
“An unregistered gold colored Toyota Sienna and two motorcycles used for their operations were also recovered.
“Concerted efforts have been put in place to ensure the fleeing suspects are brought to book.”
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
