Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a 40-year-old ex-convict, Richard John Abdullahi, over alleged kidnapping and armed robbery in Edo State.
The suspect was arrested in Abjua by the police following investigation into a kidnap and robbery incident in Ekpoma, Edo State.
Parading the suspect, the police commissioner, Nemi Edwin-Iwo, the suspect and other gang members who are now at large, served jail terms together Koton-Karfe Prison, Kogi State.
He said the suspect, Ishmael Peter (gang leader), Emmanuel Audu and one simply identified as Lucky, after their jail term formed a kidnapping and armed robbery gang.
Edwin-Iwo said they invaded the home of one Promise Ehichoya on May 7, 2024, at about 2am, at Illela Quarters, Ekpoma, tied him up and took him to an unknown destination and collected a ransom of N6 million 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,” he said.
He said the 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 said.
The CP added that the suspect led the operatives to the house of his accomplices, 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.
He said their operational vehicle and two motorcycles were also recovered from them