Edith CHUKU
A 25-year-old native of Ika, in Akwa Ibom State, Onyema Sunday, has been arrested by the Rivers State Police command following his alleged involvement in the kidnap of one Mr Chukwudekwu Emmanuel.
Sunday was arrested alongside 32-year-old native of Ozuzu, in the Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Okwudiri Njoku and 38-year-old Imo State indigene, Chinedu Okoro.
Exhibit recovered from them was one operational motorcycle with registration number AHD 758 VT.
Their apprehension was revealed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Agabe Kaborlo Blessing, in a statement, in the weekend.
According to the police, they were arrested while attempting to kidnap another victim whose name was given as Mr Chisom Nwokolo George.
The police described their arrest as a significant breakthrough in the command’s ongoing efforts to combat crimes within the state.
Emmanuel a resident of Lagos State was kidnapped on February 17, at Etche Local Government Area of the state.
The police explained that, “operatives of the command based at Emohua, leveraging on the technology-driven strategies of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on April 14, 2026 at about 1300hrs, successfully apprehended three suspected kidnappers.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects specialize in luring unsuspecting victims from different parts of the country through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Tinder, using the images of reputable personalities to gain trust.”
The Police revealed that “the suspects were apprehended while attempting to kidnap another victim, one Chisom Nwokolo George (male), who was deceitfully invited from Anambra State under the pretext of inviting him for an interior decoration job.
“During investigation, the suspects confessed to multiple kidnapping operations, including the kidnap of Jennifer Nnaji (female), a resident of Enugu State, on 1st March, 2026, the kidnap of one Lakan Ayodele (male), a resident of Lagos State.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang leader and other members of the syndicate.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has reassured residents of the state of the command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across the State.
He also advised the public to be cautious when dealing with unknown persons online.
The CP further stated that individuals should always verify identities of persons and companies for job offers, avoid sharing personal information, and inform trusted relations and friends of their movements before meeting any stranger and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
Adepoju further assured that developments on the incident would be communicated as investigations progresses.
