In Edo State, an ex-convict named Richard John Abdullahi has been arrested by the police for his involvement in a kidnapping and armed robbery case. The arrest was announced on Friday, September 27, 2024, by the police spokesperson SP Moses Joel Yamu.
Abdullahi and his gang broke into the home of a man named Promise Ehichoya in Ekpoma. They abducted him and demanded a ransom of N6,000,000. After the ransom was paid, they released the victim. During the robbery, the suspects also stole various items from the house, including electronics, phones, jewelry, clothing, and the victim’s vehicle.
Following an investigation by the State Intelligence Department, Abdullahi was tracked and arrested in the Zone C area of Apo resettlement quarters in Abuja. While in custody, he gave up the names of other gang members, including one named Lucky, whom he had met while serving a sentence at Koton-Karfe Prison in Kogi State.
The police continue their search for the remaining members of the gang. This case highlights the ongoing efforts of the Edo State Police Command to combat crime and protect citizens from criminal activities.
“On 7th May, 2024 at about 1am, a masked gang of armed robbers/kidnappers invaded the home of one Promise Ehichoya at Illela quarters in Ekpoma, tied him up, took him to an unknown destination and collected a ransom of #6,000,000 before releasing him,” the statement read.
“The suspects made away with the victim’s vehicle and other household items including phones of various make, electronics, jewelries and clothing from the house. However, his vehicle, a Toyota Venza with Reg No LND 438 HM was later abandoned and recovered to the station.
“Acting on technologically driven intelligence, operatives of the State Intelligence Department SID, trailed and arrested one Richard John Abdullahi 40yrs at the Zone C area of Apo resettlement quarters, Abuja.
“A beretta pistol with three (3) live ammunitions was recovered from a bag in his possession. Further search in his home led to the recovery of the gold chain and bracelet earlier stolen during the kidnap incident in Ekpoma.
“The arrested suspect mentioned other members of the gang now at large as Ishmael Peter (Gang Leader), Emmanuel Audu and one Lucky whom he met while serving jail term at the Koton-Karfe Prison, Kogi State.
“He led the operatives to the homes of Emmanuel Audu and Ishmael Peter where some electronics and clothing earlier stolen from the victim were recovered, but the suspects were unfortunately nowhere to be found.
“An unregistered gold colored Toyota Sienna and two motorcycles used for their operations were also recovered. “Concerted efforts have been put in place to ensure the fleeing suspects are brought to book.”
