The Cross River State Police Command has arrested four suspects over an alleged conspiracy and attempted kidnapping in Yahe community, Yala Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects are Adedeji Goodluck 21, Sylvester Akpa 20, Chinonso Nwibo Emmanuel 25 and Richard Innocent 22. Police said the suspects have no fixed addresses.
Their arrest followed a tip off from a good Samaritan, which led to a rescue operation by members of the local vigilante group working in collaboration with security agencies.
A police source disclosed that Chinonso Emmanuel allegedly lured Adedeji Goodluck from Abuja to Yahe community, where he was later held captive. The suspects were said to have contacted the victim’s parents in Abuja and demanded a ransom of seven million naira.
The source added that the suspects allegedly threatened to kill the victim for ritual purposes if the ransom was not paid.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects conspired, held a meeting and subsequently kidnapped Adedeji Goodluck, keeping him in captivity while making repeated calls to his parents to press their ransom demand.
The victim was rescued unhurt and is currently under protective custody, while the suspects are being detained by the police.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Command, ASP Sunday Eitokpah confirmed the incident and said investigations were ongoing.
He stated that the arrest was made possible through the swift intervention of the local vigilante group working jointly with the police, adding that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Police authorities have assured members of the public that further details will be made available as investigations progress and that all those involved will be made to face justice.
