…Two-time counsellor arrested, allegedly admits attempting to kidnap a woman
The Delta State Police Command said it has arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered two stolen cars and 14 different Toyota Vehicle Keys in different operations.
The Delta State Police spokesman, Bright Edafe, said that in the first case, the command recovered a Bareta Pistol and recovered a suspected stolen car.
He further stated that the police acting on credible intelligence gathered on the activities of a suspected kidnapper identified Philip Onoghosa, the gang leader of a kidnapping syndicate terrorizing Sapele- – Warri Road, who planned his arrest.
He explained that on on 25th of October,2024, at about 5:30 pm operatives of the CP – Special Assignment Team (CP – SAT ) went on the trail of the said suspect in Sapele town.
“The suspect who was at Amukpe Roundabout, along with a lady, buying illicit drugs, sighted the operatives and took to his heel. He abandoned one Black Toyota Corolla with REG NO: SKL 330 AE upon search of the vehicle, one Beretta pistol loaded with two live ammunition was recovered beneath the driver’s seat search. Manhunt for the fleeing suspect is ongoing,” said Edafe.
In another operation, the Command also recovered a stolen car on the 22nd of October 2024 at about 5 pm.
The Police spokesman said that the Safer Highway Patrol Team deployed to Sapele while conducting an intensive stop and search along Mosogar Benin Road flagged down a Toyota RAV 4 SUV black in colour with REG number KUJ-311-MB.
He added: “The driver before getting to the checkpoint manoeuvred the vehicle and sped off. The police operatives immediately went after him.
“The suspect on noticing that the policemen were closing in on him abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush.
“The vehicle was recovered and upon search of the vehicle, the vehicle particulars bearing the name and contact of the owner were found.
“The owner was immediately contacted and stated that the vehicle was stolen from his compound in Kogi State. Two metal master keys and fourteen different Toyota vehicle keys were recovered. Investigation and efforts to arrest the suspect are ongoing.”
In another development, the Police arrest a suspected kidnapper.
Edafe said that the DPO in charge of the Abbi Division, a Chief Superintendent of Police, Florence Onum, received credible intelligence that there was a plan to kidnap a prominent member of the Abbi community.
Acting on this intelligence, the DPO Kwale and operatives of the division embarked on a discreet investigation, and on the 21st of October, 2024, at about 7:pm, one Hon. Ndubisi Okechhukwu, a two times Councillor in Emu-Uno Kwale was arrested.
Edafe stated: “The suspect stated that he was suspended from being a counsellor. He further stated that he wanted to kidnap the said woman so that the local government would pay the ransom since he knew the woman was close to the Local government chairman, the suspect is in custody and the investigation is ongoing.
“The Commissioner of Police Delta State CP Olufemi Abaniwonda reiterates the command’s commitment to ensure that Crime in the state is reduced so that residents and Deltans can sleep with their two eyes closed.
“The CP further stated that due to the Ember month period, there may be a likely increase in crime hence, policemen have been deployed around the twenty-five local government areas and embarked on intensive visibility patrol while constant raiding of criminal hideouts and black spots will be intensified. Members of the public are urged to partner with the Police by providing useful, timely, and credible information that will help the Police in the fight against crime and criminality.”
