In a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping in Imo State, the Nigeria Police Force has successfully apprehended a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating in Mbaise. The gang, led by one Obinna Onuoha, was paraded by the Imo State Police Command after their arrest for the abduction of Mr. Chuks Okoro.
According to police reports, Mr. Chuks Okoro, a well-known businessman from Mbaise, was abducted on January 10, 2025, while on his way home from his office. The victim was taken at gunpoint by the suspects, who later demanded a ransom of ₦20 million from his family for his release.
The incident caused panic in the community, as kidnapping cases have been on the rise in recent months. However, the swift response of the Imo State Police Command ensured that the perpetrators did not go unpunished.
Through coordinated intelligence gathering and undercover operations, the police tracked the kidnappers to their hideout in a remote area of Ahiazu Mbaise. On January 15, 2025, officers of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad stormed the hideout, successfully rescuing Mr. Okoro and arresting five suspects, including the gang leader, Obinna Onuoha.
The arrested suspects include:
- Obinna Onuoha (Gang Leader, 38 years old)
- Emeka Nwosu (Second-in-command, 35 years old)
- Ikechukwu Eze (Logistics Coordinator, 29 years old)
- Chinedu Umeh (Arms Supplier, 32 years old)
- Kelechi Duru (Getaway Driver, 27 years old)
During the operation, the police recovered:
- Two AK-47 rifles
- Three locally-made pistols
- Several rounds of live ammunition
- Two stolen vehicles
- Various charms and other criminal tools used in their operations
Speaking at the parade of the suspects at the Imo State Police Headquarters in Owerri, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, reiterated the commitment of the command in tackling criminal activities in the state. He assured the public that the arrested individuals would be prosecuted and that security agencies would intensify efforts to dismantle kidnapping syndicates in the region.
CP Danjuma also used the opportunity to warn other criminal elements to desist from their nefarious activities or face the full wrath of the law.
A visibly shaken but grateful Mr. Chuks Okoro expressed his gratitude to the police for rescuing him. He recounted his harrowing experience in captivity, stating that he was blindfolded and starved for days while his abductors pressured his family for ransom.
The Mbaise community has lauded the police for their swift action, with community leaders urging continued security presence in the area to prevent future occurrences.
The police confirmed that investigations are still ongoing to apprehend other accomplices who may have evaded arrest. They have also assured the public of their commitment to making Imo State safe from kidnappers and other criminal elements.
The arrested suspects are set to be arraigned in court in the coming days, where they will face charges related to kidnapping, illegal possession of firearms, and criminal conspiracy.
This latest arrest is a strong signal that law enforcement agencies in Imo State are stepping up their efforts to combat crime, and residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
Stay tuned for more updates on this case as justice takes its course.
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