By Abuchi Ifesinachi
The State Security Service (DSS), was on Tuesday 2/9/2014 paraded three kidnap suspects for allegedly kidnapping one Mr. Charles Onyido and recovered a pump Action gun, along with twenty five (25) live rounds of cartridges at a hideout in Ogbunike, Oyi Council Area of Anambra State.Addressing newsmen, the State Director of Security Anambra State, Mr. A.U. Okeiyi, fsi, said the victim was kidnapped on 28th August, 2014, at Uruezealor Village, Ogidi, Idemili North L.G.A, near his residence and that the abductors demanded the sum of One Hundred Million Naira (100m) from the victim’s family for his release, which he said they reduced to two million, five hundred thousand (2.5m) as at 1st September, 2014.‘The rescue followed the arrest between 1st and 2nd September, 2014 of two member of the kidnap gang; Chukwuebuka Okafor (aka Nchafu), twenty-five (25) from Uruezealor Village, Ogidi; and Ernest Elem (aka Lamborghini), twenty-four (24), from Nkanu L.G.A of Enugu State, by the operatives.
Mr. Okeiyi said ‘ shortly after the rescue, a herbalist, Ajana Onyibor, sixty-eight (68), from Igbakwu, Ayamelum L.G.A, a suspected accomplice with a shrine opposite the room where the victim was kept, was arrested with the assistance of Vigilantes and Nteje Police Division. The herbalist is believed to be providing spiritual protection to members of the gang.
‘In the course of investigation, it was found the same gang kidnapped an Onitsha-based Legal Practitioner, Ejike Efobi (Barr.), on 15th June, 2014, at Nkpor, Idemili North L.G.A, and kept him in the same hideout until undisclosed ranson was paid for his release. The kidnap led to a protest by his colleagues at High Court, Ogidi, on 18th June, 2014.
‘The investigation is ongoing. However, criminals and criminally-minded elements in the State are hereby advised to desist from their nefarious activities, as they will be brought to book someday if they do not repent. The Command appreciates ongoing efforts by the State Government and relevant sister security agencies to rid the State of criminality and will continue to contribute its quota in this regard' he said.
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