Police arrest four kidnap suspects, rescue victims in A’Ibom

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Nigeria Police, Akwa Ibom State Command has arrested four suspected kidnappers dressed in military uniform and rescued their victims.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the State, ASP Timfon John, said this in a statement issued in Uyo and made available to newsmen on Sunday, 26 May 2024.

John said the command received a distress call on May 24 on a kidnap incident at Utang Street by Gibbs Street in Uyo metropolis.

The PPRO said the command’s Anti-Robbery Squad immediately swung into action and mobilised to the scene where the four suspects were arrested.

“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, in its quest to make the state safe from criminal elements, has arrested four suspected kidnappers.

“On May 24 at about 11 pm, 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 mobilised to the scene where four suspects namely, Abdulkarem Yusuf ‘m’, Yusuf Waziri ‘m’, Inbinabo Sunny Iboroma ‘m’ and Abdulrahman Abbas ‘m’ were arrested,” John said.

John said the suspects were arrested while they were on the way to kidnapping one “Richie”, the friend of their victim (Abraham Ekpe).

According to her, the suspects planned to take their victims to Odukpani Local Government Area in Cross River.

She explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had earlier kidnapped one Abraham Ekpe at Ring Road 3, Opposite Cemetery.

She said further investigation also revealed that they had demanded a ransom of N5 million from their victim, but he could not pay, which prompted the suspects to kidnap his friend, too.

She said one red Honda Accord car with registration number BJ 615 ABC, one handcuff, and one dagger were recovered from the suspects.

John said the suspects would be charged in court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The PPRO said the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom Command, CP Waheed Ayilara has reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to making Akwa Ibom uncomfortable for criminals.

She said the CP has admonished members of the public to report any suspicious act or movement to the Police for prompt action.