The Imo State Police Command through its anti-kidnap unit has paraded five suspected kidnappers who abducted a number of individuals and snatched cars from unsuspected victims in various parts of the state.
One of the suspected kidnappers identified as Nwanosike Chukwuka incessantly sobbed and fought back tears.
Some of the suspects who confessed to the crime however pleaded to be of good behaviour if left off the hook, just as those who lost their cars eventually smiled with their recovered vehicles.
Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Rabiu Hussaini, while parading the suspects before newsmen at the Command headquarters Owerri said that the rescue of the victims followed the kidnapping of one Okechukwu Mbata aged 42yrs, and Kelechi Anoruo ‘m’ aged 41yrs on 3/06/2021 respectively who has being rescued.
The CP said that operatives of the State Command immediately alerted of the situation, swung into action and through credible technical intelligence, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command, mobilized and rescued the victims in their hideout unhurt.
He said that in the process one of the kidnappers Nwanosike Chukwuka aged 38yrs who hails from Ubahanwa Otulu in Oru West LGA of Imo State was arrested.
The CP said that the suspect on interrogation, confessed to the crime, mentioned other members of the syndicates and led the Police Operatives to their hideout in Ebonyi State.
Following the information from the suspect, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit stormed their hideout at Idembia Izza South LGA of Ebonyi State.
Rabiu said that the hoodlums on sighting the operatives engaged them in a gun duel but were overwhelmed by the operatives and in the process, the suspects were also arrested five suspects.
The suspects according to the CP include Festusa aged 38yrs who hails from Ubommiri in Mbaitoli LGA, Imo State, Emeka Onuh of Inyi, Oji River, Enugu State, young Ndukwu aged 45yrs of Awo Mbieri in Mbaitoli LGA, Imo State, Favour Chukwu ‘male’ aged 39yrs; and Alo Chidi both of Ndembia Izza South LGA, Ebonyi State.
According to CP, on interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime and revealed their respective involvement in the commission of the crime and admitted being the syndicate that have been terrorizing the South East region and its environs.
CP Rabiu identified some of the exhibits recovered from the suspects hideout to include One Assault Rifle loaded with 22 rounds of live ammunition, 2 Pump Action Guns loaded with Thirty-Three (33) rounds of live cartridges.
Others include 1 cut to size Double Barrel Gun, 1 English Berretta Pistol with Eight (8) rounds of live ammunition, Two master keys.
The CP said that on further interrogation, the suspects led operatives to the receivers of the stolen vehicles belonging to the other victims.
The suspects arrested amongst others includes Obinna Okoroeze from Abueke Ihitte Uboma LGA, Imo State, Uchechukwu Aniebo ‘male’ aged 43yrs of Udi, Enugu State, Ekpeta Joseph ‘male’ aged 32yrs of Aninri LGA, Enugu State.
The CP called on Imolites whose vehicles were robbed or stolen to come to the Police State Headquarters with proof of ownership for identification and collection.
He also encouraged residents of the state to always report criminal cases on time as this will assist the Police to apprehend the perpetrators in good time.