POLICE ARREST THREE ALLEGED KIDNAPPERS, SEIZE WEAPONS IN IMO

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The Imo State Police Command has announced the arrest of three suspected kidnappers, including a 22-year-old female suspect, who allegedly conspired with others to abduct Mr. Sabinus Ibe in Owerri.

A statement from the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, revealed that the arrest was made by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

Okoye identified the suspects as Favour Dike, 22, Ifeanyi Kingsley, 30, and Wisdom Chikodi, 31. He confirmed that they were apprehended on March 18, 2025, following thorough investigations and targeted operations by the unit.

According to the police spokesperson, Mr. Sabinus Ibe was kidnapped on February 22, 2025, around 8:00 pm in Egbu, Owerri, and was forcibly taken to an undisclosed location by the suspects.

The police further revealed that the kidnappers demanded a ransom for his release, which was paid through a POS transaction. The payment was traced to a Moniepoint account (8213707568) held by one of the suspects, Favour Dike, at the Timber and Allied Market in Owerri North Local Government Area.

“Upon arrest, Favour Dike, admitted to receiving a two million naira ransom payment on the instructions of Ifeanyi Kingsley, a trader in Timber and Allied Market Naze in Owerri.

“Kingsley later confessed to providing Dike’s POS account details at the request of his friend, Wisdom Chikodi, a member of the kidnapping syndicate. Chikodi, from Umuezuo Ekwereazu in Ahiazu LGA, is believed to have played a significant role in orchestrating the kidnapping,” Okoye stated.

The statement reveals that additional investigation resulted in the arrest of Wisdom Chikodi at his hotel room in New Owerri. He then directed the officers to the Old Township Stadium on Tetlow Road, where members of the gang fled after spotting the police, leaving behind an ash-colored Toyota Camry 2.4 model.

Upon searching the vehicle, two pump-action rifles, a locally made gun, and 18 live cartridges were found.

“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Police Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to fighting crime. He assured that the suspects will be arraigned in court after the investigation, and efforts are underway to apprehend other members of the syndicate,” the statement added.

Okoye urged the public to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via 0803 477 3600.