Edo Police nab two suspected kidnappers after collecting N5m ransom

The police officers in Benin city, Edo State, have arrested two suspected kidnappers, Joel Emazor (31) and Philip Roberts (30) over the abduction of Albert Igbinomwanhia (31) in Benin City, Edo State.

The Edo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Chidi Nwabuzor, while parading the suspects on Wednesday, said they were arrested on March 30 by the command’s intelligence Rapid Response Squad while acting on credible intelligence.

He said that the victim was abducted and held captive in the suspects’ hideout for five days, when they obtained N5.1 million in ransom from his parents. The suspects were working with two other people, Ossai and Eguavon, who are currently at large.

Nwabuzor stated, “On March 6, Albert Igbinomwanhia was abducted from Igbinedion Avenue, G.R.A., Benin City to the Agbor Road Bye-Pass axis near Okhuahe River in a Lexus Jeep RX 330 with registration number RBC 18 DC. The suspects and two other individuals, Ossai and Eguavon, whose surnames are unknown, held him hostage inside a pit for five days.”

“After his family paid the kidnappers N5.1 million in ransom, the victim was returned to them. The kidnappers had demanded N14 million from his family.”

“The victim’s parent petitioned the Commissioner of Police after the suspects continued to threaten to kidnap the victim unless the N14 million was paid, even after they had collected the ransom and freed their victim.

“The suspects made statements and admitted to the crime after being apprehended at their hiding place. The remaining suspects who are afoul of the law are still being sought after.

Nwabuzor promised that, working with other sister agencies, the command is prepared to crack down on every criminal element in the state.