Segun Atanda/
Officers deployed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, have smashed a 5-man gang that kidnapped an 80-year-old man who paid a ransom for his release.
Chief Felix Ogbonna’s abductors now in police net, said that they started kidnapping last month and have, so far, made over N6.75million paid in dollars.
The gang was smashed by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), led by ACP Abba Kyari.
The arrested suspects were identified as: 29-year-old Samuel Chikodi James aka Chiboy; Justice Irish aka MOPOL, 23; Ikechukwu Igwebuike aka Anambra, 22, Chikachi Ubani, 30, and Chineye Mark, 45.
According to the police, exhibits recovered included AK47 Rifle, magazine/ammunition, the operational vehicle – one Lexus 300 jeep, and a Toyota Sienna Bus.
Police say effort are being made to arrest two members of the gang who are on the run.
The police told newsmakersng: “Samuel Chikaodi James is the second in command. He is also the driver of the operational vehicle used in kidnaps, the negotiator of ransoms and does the pick ups. He received N3million.
” Justice Iriah from Edo State, while armed, snatched and secured the hostages in the vehicle up to the kidnap den. He received N300, 000.
“Ikechukwu Igwebuike, while armed, he snatched and secured the hostages in the vehicle up to the kidnap den. He received N300, 000.
“Chikachi Ubani was in charge of the stronghold/Detention Camp where hostages were kept.
“Chineye Mark, a panel beater, hides the gang’s operation vehicle in his workshop. He received N150, 000.”