*rescue victim unhurt
Eric Olusesan/Port Harcourt
Operatives of Hawk Tactical Team of the Rivers State Police Command on Tuesday, 9th May, 2023, while acting on reliable intelligence on the activities of some suspected kidnappers and Cyber fraudsters, raided a hideout in Cypo Estate, Umuebule 1, Etche Local Government Area.
According to the SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Police Public Relations Officer PPRO, of the Rivers Police Command said during the process, eight (8) suspects: namely Desmond Williams aged 19, Isaac Patrick aged 22, Prince Nelson aged 17, John Ahmed aged 17, Thankgod Neesogho aged 22, Christian Adewale aged 22, Uche Alaga aged 16, and Nwika Fakae aged 22 all male, were arrested; while one victim (name withheld) aged 20 years was rescued.
The suspects in their confession revealed that their modus operandi include: defrauding innocent victims online and fleecing them of their hard-earned money and luring unsuspecting victims to their hideout and using them as baits to fleece their family members and loved ones.
The victim was lured by his friend who promised to give him a job in the hotel. When the job wasn’t forthcoming, the victim opted to go back to his home, but his captors wouldn’t let him. For his insistence, victim was beaten severely and inflicted with body injuries. Suspects thereafter demanded #500,000 ransom from victim’s parents.
Exhibits recovered from them include seven (7) laptops and some substance suspected to be illicit hard drugs. Investigation is ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Okon Effiong has advised parents to monitor the activities of their children and be weary of the friends they keep. Residents of the state are further enjoined to remain supportive, law-abiding, and vigilant and promptly report acts of crime and criminality to the nearest police station or by calling the command’s emergency hotlines on 08032003514 and 08098880134.