A’Ibom: Police apprehend 4 suspected kidnappers in military uniform

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says its operatives have arrested four suspected kidnappers dressed in military uniform and rescued their victims.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, ASP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo and made available to newsmen on Sunday.

John said on May 24, the Command received a distress call about 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 making the state safe from criminal elements, has arrested four suspected kidnappers.

“On May 24 at about 23:00hrs, 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,” the statement said.

The police spokesman said the suspects were arrested while they were on their way to kidnap one ‘Richie’, a friend of their victim, Abraham Ekpe.

According to her, their plan was to take the two friends to Odukpani Local Government Area in Cross River.

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

The PPRO added that further investigation also revealed that they had demanded a ransom of N5 million from their victim but he could not pay, which prompted them to move to kidnap his friend.

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

According to her, the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

The PPRO said the 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.