Rivers State Police apprehend three notorious kidnappers responsible for multiple highway abductions along the Port Harcourt-Owerri Expressway, including a corps member. Read more about the police crackdown and ongoing investigations..mynewslive
Three Suspected Kidnappers Arrested in Rivers State
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three notorious kidnappers who have been targeting travellers and motorists on the Port Harcourt-Owerri highway. The suspects, identified as Blessing Akpelu (20), Precious Ebee (30), and Wisdom Amadi (28), are accused of orchestrating a series of highway abductions, including the kidnapping of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member.
Details of the Arrest
The newly deployed Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Mohammed, revealed that the arrests were made following an intensified police crackdown on criminal activities along the highway, a known hotspot for kidnappings and armed robberies. The suspects, who are natives of Egbeda in Emohua Local Government Area, were paraded before newsmen in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
“The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended three notorious kidnap suspects following a series of highway robberies and kidnappings along the Port Harcourt-Owerri Expressway,” CP Mohammed stated.
Timeline of the Arrests
The first two suspects were detained on October 17, 2024, by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, while the gang leader, Wisdom Amadi, was captured on October 19, 2024, at Egbeda. The police tracked the suspects using intelligence gathered during surveillance.
The state police commissioner added that the suspects confessed to multiple kidnappings, including setting up illegal roadblocks to trap unsuspecting travellers, abducting them, and then demanding ransom from their families.
Ongoing Investigation
The police are actively pursuing the remaining accomplices and working to recover the suspects’ weapons. “We are committed to uncovering the full extent of their criminal network and ensuring justice is served,” Mohammed said.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station, promising continued efforts to ensure the safety of road users along the Port Harcourt-Owerri Expressway.
Additional Arrest
In a related development, the police also arrested a suspected armed robber, Baridam Berebom, who allegedly attacked an NYSC corps member, stealing her iPhone using an SMG rifle. The incident prompted a swift police response, leading to the arrest of the suspect, while other members of his gang fled the scene.
“The victim’s phone and the weapon used in the robbery have been recovered, and efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects,” CP Mohammed confirmed.
The police continue to seek cooperation from the public in providing timely information, emphasizing the goal of making Rivers State a safer place for all residents.
For More Updates, join our WhatsApp Group and Telegram Channel
