The Imo State Police arrested three suspects — Favour Dike, Ifeanyi Kingsley, and Wisdom Chikodi — for kidnapping Sabinus Ibe and collecting a N2 million ransom via a POS transaction. The suspects confessed to their roles, and weapons were recovered from an abandoned vehicle. Efforts to capture the remaining gang members continue.

Operatives of the Imo State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit have successfully apprehended three suspects in connection with the conspiracy and abduction of Sabinus Ibe, a 48-year-old resident of Owerri. The suspects, identified as Favour Dike, 22, Ifeanyi Kingsley, 30, and Wisdom Chikodi, 31, were arrested on March 18 following detailed investigations and targeted operations by the police.

The arrest was confirmed by the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye, through an official statement released on Sunday. According to DSP Okoye, Mr. Ibe was abducted on February 22 around 8:00 p.m. in Egbu, Owerri, and was forcibly taken to an undisclosed location by the kidnappers.

Shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers demanded a ransom, which was paid through a Point of Sale (POS) transaction. Investigations revealed that the payment was traced to a Moniepoint account with the number 8213707568, operated by Mr. Dike at the Timber and Allied Market, Owerri North Local Government Area.

Further interrogations revealed that Mr. Dike admitted receiving the sum of N2 million on the instructions of Mr. Kingsley, a trader at the Timber and Allied Market in Naze, Owerri. Mr. Kingsley confessed to providing Mr. Dike’s POS account details at the request of Mr. Chikodi, who is identified as a known member of the kidnapping syndicate.

According to the police, Mr. Chikodi, a resident of Umuezuo Ekwereazu in Ahiazu Local Government Area, allegedly played a significant role in the planning and execution of the kidnapping. His arrest was effected in his hotel room at New Owerri following credible intelligence and surveillance efforts.

Upon his arrest, Mr. Chikodi led the police operatives to Old Township Stadium along Tetlow Road, where other members of the gang were reportedly hiding. However, upon sensing the presence of law enforcement, the gang members abandoned an ash-coloured Toyota Camry 2.4 model and fled the scene.

A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered two pump-action rifles, a locally made gun, and 18 live cartridges. The police have continued their efforts to track down and apprehend the remaining members of the kidnapping syndicate who are currently on the run.

DSP Okoye reaffirmed the commitment of the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, to combatting crime and ensuring the safety and security of all residents across Imo State. He assured the public that the suspects would face prosecution once investigations are concluded, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.

In his statement, DSP Okoye encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police station, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in maintaining law and order.