Residents of Imoga Community in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have arrested a suspected Kidnapper, Ismaila Ibrahim, who was identified by a victims, Mallam Jamilu, a cow dealer at Ibillo.
National Coordinator, Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo people, Dr Bode Ekundayo who disclosed this in a voice note on Monday, said the suspect was arrested on Thursday and one other has also been arrested after he made a confessional statement.
“A kidnapper was caught in our community, and he is one of the well known Fulani settlers in the forest. He has admitted committing the crime, but vowed to not mention his gang members.
“He is one of the kidnap kingpins in the vast forest of Imoga whose activities spread across Akoko Edo. He was caught by youths, Vigilante and hunters.
Dr Ekundayo said that the suspect led a gang of kidnappers to abduct a customer who had gone to their camp to purchase a cow and demanded N10 million naira ransom.
He stated that the family of the victim was able to raise N6 million but the victim was able to escape after the kidnappers discovered he has recognized them.
He said the victim, who was able to escape into the bush, raised an alarm and the near community went into action immediately, which led to the arrest of the suspect, who was handed over to the Ibilo Police Division.
Ekundayo said he made a useful confessional statement at the station in the presence of The Royal father of Imoga, Oba Patrick Abudu and some members of the community.
He added, “The suspect confessed to the crime and I understand he has been taken to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation.
“We are going to follow up this case so that this deadly kidnapper will not be released to wreck more harm to our community.
The PPRO of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the arrest of the suspect.
She said that the suspect has already been transferred to the state headquarters where further investigation is being carried out.
She said that the suspect could still be arraigned after thorough investigation while a man hunt would still be launched for his gang members.
She said, “I can confirm to you that the suspect has been arrested and transferred to the State headquarters where investigation has been instituted.”
