The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the abduction of Mr. Humphrey Wagbara.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrests on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, saying Wagbara was rescued during a coordinated operation on Sept. 19.
“Upon receipt of a distress call, officers launched an operation that led to the arrest of three suspects at separate locations in Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Areas,” she said.
Iringe-Koko disclosed that the suspects confessed to Wagbara’s kidnap and admitted involvement in other abductions across the state. These included the kidnapping of Mr. Onwuli Jude and Mr. Nwabueze Nchekwube at Igwuruta-Atali. The suspects reportedly collected N6 million ransom from Nchekwube’s family before killing him.
She further linked the gang to the Sept. 12 abduction of Mrs. Mercy Chinyere at Igwuruta-Atali, where N3.5 million ransom was collected before her release.
Recovered from the suspects were a G-3 rifle, a magazine, an Itel android phone belonging to Wagbara, three short daggers, a jack knife and a stainless short knife.
Iringe-Koko said the suspects and exhibits were in custody while efforts were ongoing to arrest fleeing members of the syndicate and recover more weapons.
She added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the officers for their gallantry, stressing that the operation demonstrated the command’s commitment to citizens’ safety.
The police spokesperson also urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
