A member of a kidnap syndicate that abducted a Benin-based pastor on Sunday in Benin City, Edo State, has been arrested in Delta State.
The pastor (name withheld) who has regained his freedom was kidnapped on Sunday, January 9, 2022, along with his Lexus 330 SUV with Reg no KWL 510 BH black in colour.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta Command, DSP Bright Edafe said, “…after a painstaking technical intelligence-led investigation, it revealed that the vehicle was parked along Ibori Road in Oghara.
“The DPO Oghara Division detailed and led operatives to the area where the said vehicle was sighted. Upon sighting the Vehicle, the Operatives laid ambush and waited for the suspects to show up. Three men later appeared to pick the vehicle and the Operatives rounded them up, but two of the suspects escaped while one of them named Osagie Felix ‘m’ age 36yrs of H & H Ologbo in Edo State was arrested.
“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of the kidnapping syndicate that kidnapped the Benin based Pastor. He led the Operatives to freedom view hotel in Oghareki where they were hibernating. Upon arrival at the hotel, the owner of the hotel aided the escape of the other two suspects and ran away.
“The suspect Osagie Felix led operatives to his room in the Hotel and upon search, one cut to size double barrel pistol, six live cartridges and the sum of four hundred and ten thousand naira (#410,000) which was part of the Five hundred thousand naira (#500,000) ransom were recovered.
“The suspect also led the operatives to another room where another double barrel pistol, ten live cartridges and a laptop were also recovered. The Victim’s vehicle was also recovered to the station. A serious manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing.”
