Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a suspected kidnapper and armed robber as part of ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities in the state. The Commissioner of Police, Nemi Iwo, revealed this on Friday while parading the suspects at the police headquarters in Benin City, the state capital.
Among the suspects is a 40-year-old man, Richard John Abdullahi, who is believed to be part of a gang involved in the kidnapping of one Promise Ehichoya. According to the CP, the gang invaded Ehichoya’s home at Illela Quarters in Ekpoma on May 7, 2024, abducted him, and demanded a ransom.
“On 7th May 2024, at about 1 a.m., a masked gang of armed robbers and kidnappers invaded the home of one Promise Ehichoya at Illela Quarters in Ekpoma, tied him up, and took him to an unknown destination,” said Iwo. “The gang collected a ransom of N6,000,000 before releasing him.”
The CP further detailed how the suspects made away with several valuables from Ehichoya’s home, including his vehicle, a Toyota Venza, which was later recovered. “The suspects took the victim’s vehicle and other household items, including phones, electronics, jewelry, and clothing. The Toyota Venza with registration number LND 438 HM was eventually abandoned and recovered by our operatives,” he added.
Through intelligence-driven operations, the police tracked Abdullahi to the Zone C area of Apo Resettlement Quarters in Abuja, where he was arrested. “A Beretta pistol with three live ammunition was found in his possession, and a further search of his home led to the recovery of a gold chain and bracelet stolen during the kidnap,” the CP confirmed.
Commissioner Iwo urged residents of Edo State to continue cooperating with law enforcement by providing valuable information that could aid in the apprehension of criminals. He assured the public that the Command is fully committed to reducing the incidence of kidnappings, armed robbery, and other criminal activities in the state.
