Kidnappers Arrested in Lagos by Security Agents

Oct 10, 2011 – The Nigerian Police over the weekend apprehended an alleged gang of kidnappers in a high fenced building at Obadore street in Igando area of Lagos.

According to the Security agents,  a catchment of weapons were recovered from the building which included three rocket launchers with three rockets, eight AK 47 magazines with a total of 3,240 rounds of ammunition, four dynamites and assorted charms. Three abducted victims were also rescued from the building.

Some of the kidnappers managed to escape when Police officers made their way into the building but two suspects were captured; one Kenneth Okonkwo and the other Azubuike Okafor.

One of the rescued victims, Dr. Godwin Ene, 66, a surgeon, said he on his way home from the office last Thursday, when a vehicle pulled up in front of his car, blind folded him and was forced their vehicle. He said he was asked to pay a ransom of N600 million for his release, but he pleaded with them that he could only afford N30 million.

The second victim, Godwin Okonkwo, 56, who had spent about three weeks with the kidnappers was said to have also been kidnapped on his way home from work on September 15, along Okokomaiko area of Lagos State, and was asked to pay a ransom of N 150 million; while the third victim, Rodney Agaga , a US based Nigerian businessman, who had been in the kidnappers custody for five weeks, said on the day of his kidnap, the abductors shot at the tires of his car, demobilized it before forcing him inside their vehicle. He said a ransom of N150 million was demanded from him.

The victims all expressed their gratitude to the Nigerian Police Force. “I must confess that the Nigeria Police are indeed working,” Rodney Agaga said.

On the path of the arrested suspects, Kenneth and Azubuike both blamed their involvement in the crime on one Obinna, who is still at large.

They both claimed to be errand boys for the gang. Kenneth said he was arrested on his way to collect N 2.8 million from the family of one of their victims, while Azubuike said his job was to cook for abducted victims and that the police arrested him while he was in the kitchen.

The suspects blamed their misery on poverty in the country. (Daily Times)