…..rescue victim unhurt
Operatives of the 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 LGA.
According to a press release signed by the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-koko, said that in the process, eight suspects: namely Desmond Williams aged 19, Isaac Patrick aged 22, Prince Nelson age 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.
She further said that 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 hideouts 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, the victim was beaten severely and inflicted with body injuries. Suspects thereafter demanded #500,000 ransom from the victim’s parents, SP Grace Iringe-Koko said.
Exhibits recovered from them include seven laptops and some substances suspected to be illicit hard drugs.
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.
