Rivers Kidnap Suspect Says He Was Promised N40,000 for Abduction
By KEMI KASUMU
Ini, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, reportedly made the disclosure during interrogation following his arrest by operatives of the Rivers State Police Command.
A 35-year-old suspected kidnapper, Victor Ini, has told the police that he was promised N40,000 to participate in the abduction of a woman in Rivers State.
Ini, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, reportedly made the disclosure during interrogation following his arrest by operatives of the Rivers State Police Command.
In a video released by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Blessing Agabe, on Wednesday, the suspect claimed that the operation was his first with the alleged kidnapping gang and that he had not received any payment.
According to him, the gang planned to abduct the woman from her shop, collect money from her and subsequently release her.
He alleged that a neighbour of the victim, identified as Chukwuebuka, contacted the gang after informing its members that the woman had money.
“We went to the woman’s shop to collect money from her, then drop her and leave. Her neighbour, Chukwuebuka, was the one who sent us on the attack,” Ini said.
“He told us the man had plenty of money and would give us. It was my first day with them. They had been monitoring her, but it was my first time.”
Ini also named Chinedu, Okwozichi and Evance as other alleged members of the gang, saying he was promised N40,000 for his participation.
The police said Ini was arrested during an intelligence-led operation launched after the abduction of a woman identified as Loveth.
Agabe said Loveth was abducted on September 2, 2026, while sitting in front of her shop.
According to the PPRO, armed men reportedly fired shots into the air before forcing the woman into a vehicle and driving away.
She said operatives of the Eleme Police Division subsequently launched an intelligence-led operation to track the suspects.
The operation, she added, led to an encounter with the suspected kidnappers, during which police operatives engaged them in a gun battle and arrested Ini.
Agabe said a silver-coloured mini Keke bus with registration number RBC 992 XE, Abuja, was recovered from the suspects.
Other items recovered included two locally made pistols, one live ammunition, a mobile phone, two identity cards, two black gowns and a vehicle number plate bearing registration number KRK 528 HG.
The police said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the alleged gang.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, assured residents that the command would continue to protect lives and property and bring suspected criminals to justice.
Adepoju warned criminal elements against operating in the state and urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in tackling kidnapping and other crimes.
