Ex-Convict In Police Net For Kidnapping, Armed Robbery

A 40-year-old ex-convict, Richard John, has been arrested for alleged kidnapping and armed robbery in Edo State.

The suspect and others who were arrested for various crimes ranging from robbery, stealing and kidnapping, were paraded by the State Police Commissioner, Nemi Edwin-Iwo.

The other gang members who are now at large, are Ishmael Peter (gang leader), Emmanuel Audu and one simply identified as Lucky. They were said to have served jail terms together in Koton-Karfe Prison in Kogi State.

They were said to have invaded the home of one Promise Ehichoya on 7 May, 2024, at about 2am, at Illela Quarters, Ekpoma, tied him up and took him to an unknown destination and collected a ransom of ₦6,000,000 before releasing him.

They also made away with the victim’s vehicle and other household items, including phones of various make, electronics, jewelries and clothing from the house.

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The vehicle, a Toyota Venza with Reg No LND 438 HM, was later abandoned, but was recovered by police operatives.

A statement by the Command’s image maker, SP Moses Joel Yamu, “Acting on technologically driven intelligence, operatives of the State Intelligence Department SID, trailed and arrested one Richard John Abdullahi 40yrs at the Zone C area of Apo resettlement quarters, Abuja.

“A beretta pistol with three (3) live ammunitions was recovered from a bag in his possession. Further search in his home led to the recovery of the gold chain and bracelet earlier stolen during the kidnap incident in Ekpoma.

“He led the operatives to the homes of Emmanuel Audu and Ishmael Peter where some electronics and clothing earlier stolen from the victim were recovered, but the suspects were unfortunately nowhere to be found.

“An unregistered gold colored Toyota Sienna and two motorcycles used for their operations were also recovered.”

The statement added that concerted efforts have been put in place to ensure the fleeing suspects are brought to book.