Police nab suspected kidnapper while allegedly collecting N3m ransom in Akwa Ibom

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a 29-year-old man, Otuekong Enoidem, an indigene of Akai Ubium Village in Nsit Ubium Local Council, over the alleged kidnapping and murder of a man. The suspect was arrested while allegedly attempting to collect a N3 million ransom from the victim’s family, following the report of the victim’s death earlier in the week.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement, saying the arrest followed a sustained intelligence-led operation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the crime.

According to the police, the victim’s mobile phone, which was allegedly used by the kidnappers to communicate ransom demands, was recovered from the suspect during the operation. “Significantly, during the operation, the mobile phone belonging to the victim and allegedly used by the kidnappers to communicate ransom demands was recovered from the suspect,” the statement read.

It added that the recovery was “a critical piece of evidence” that would assist investigators in determining the circumstances surrounding the crime and establishing the roles of other members of the alleged criminal syndicate.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, commended the operatives for their diligence, courage and professionalism.