Nigerian Policeman Kidnapped In Ikoyi Lagos, Taxi Driver Arrested

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March 8, 2016 – Lagos Taxi Driver Who ‘Kidnapped’ Police Officer In Ikoyi Arrested

The Ikoyi Division of the Nigerian Police, Lagos has arrested a 32-year-old taxi driver for allegedly kidnapping a police man.

Chidi Nwanu Igwe from Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, came to Lagos in 2005 and worked as a labourer but now drives a Daewoo Saloon Car with Reg. No.: EKY 282 BK as a private taxi or Kabu kabu.

On March 4 at about 10am, Igwe was stopped along Falomo Road in Ikoyi, by a police Sergeant Mr. Babashola Afolayan for allegedly picking a passenger illegally.

Afolayan identified himself, boarded the vehicle and ordered Igwe to drive to the station but the driver allegedly refused and sped off towards Waterside in Ikoyi.

He drove all around Ikoyi and eventually stopped near Alagbon Close where he removed the car’s battery and key and went away.

Igwe was later arrested and arraigned Monday before Mrs. A. G. Omoyele at a Lagos State Magistrates’ Court in Igbosere.

He is standing trial on a four-count charge bordering on unlawful capture and detention, driving without a driver’s licence, causing obstruction on the highway and reckless driving.

Prosecuting Sergeant Cyriacus Osuji told the court that the defendant willingly committed the offences.

He added that the offences contravene Section 269 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Section 45 of the Road Traffic Act Laws of the Fedration of Nigeria (LFN) and Section 18 (1) of the Lacos State Road Traffic Laws 2012.
Section 269 (1) provides for a prison term of 10 years for kidnapping.

Igwe denied the charges and his lawyer, Daniel Abbey, asked for his bail on liberal terms.
Magistrate Omoyele granted him bail in the sum of N20,000 with one surety in the like sum and adjourned till April 5 for mention.

[NAN]