Police Bust Kidnap Gang That Got N10M after Killing Abducted NDPRL Manager in Rivers

Segun Atanda/

Seven suspects have been held by the police in connection with the kidnap and murder of the production manager of Niger Delta Petroleum Resources Limited (NDPRL), in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The 64-year-old victim, Ubani Onyema, was abducted by unknown gunmen at Woji area of Port Harcourt on October 16, 2017.

Police authorities told NewsmakersNG that the kidnappers made a phone call to the hostage’s company demanding N100million ransom, which came down to N10million after negotiations.

According to the police, the money was paid, yet the victim was killed.

When nothing was heard from the kidnappers after the payment of ransom, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Ibrahim Idris, sent the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) led by ACP Abba Kyari after the gang in Port Harcourt.

The IRT eventually arrested seven suspects who allegedly confessed to various roles each played in the kidnap, and admitted that the hostage died from gunshot wounds on the day he was kidnapped.

Here is a police profile of each suspect: “34-year-old Nduka Alaribe aka Abiola – the gang leader who allegedly organised the kidnap, recruited the hostage keepers, brought the two cars used for the kidnap and led gang members to pick up the ransom.

“Godstime Eme, 35, is the second in command; a university graduate who purchased the pre-registered SIM used in negotiating for ransom and picked up the ransom. He also monitored the movement of late Ubani Onyema on the day of his kidnap.

“Nkere Uwam, 38, is the mastermind behind the kidnap. He worked in the same company with the victim.

“Wisdom Uchechi Chidi, 35, is a notorious leader of Greenlanders cult terrorising Ahoda-East LGA. He provided the arms used in the kidnap.

“Ayakazi Woyin-Kuro, 32, assisted in the recruitment of gang members.

“Okpako Emperor, 37, also worked in the company of the victim. He was part of the plot to kidnap Ubani.

“Adimibe Kanayo, 30, also worked in the victim’s company and he was part of the plot to kidnap Ubani.”

The police told NewsmakersNG that one AK47 Rifle and two vehicles used in the kidnapping have been recovered.

Detectives are still searching for fleeing members of the gang.

The police are also hoping to recover the victim’s body which the suspects claimed to have thrown into a river in Rivers State.

0