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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested 12 suspects linked to kidnapping, cultism and murder, and rescued three abducted victims before their captors could collect a N50 million ransom.
The Command, led by CP Garba Bosso, said the arrests were made in separate intelligence-driven operations carried out between June 27 and June 30, 2026.
The crackdown followed the abduction of five passengers on Obokofia Road in Egbema and the kidnap of a young man in New Owerri on June 27.
Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, alongside Egbema Division, raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout at Obokofia in Ohaji/Egbema LGA on June 30.
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Three victims were rescued unharmed. Police said the gang had collected ₦5 million from one victim’s family and was waiting to collect an additional ₦50 million before the raid. One rescued victim identified Eric John, alias “Yahoo Welder,” 30, as one of his abductors.
Seven alleged members of the kidnapping syndicate were picked up at Obokofia. They are: Eric John “Yahoo Welder” of Delta State; Light Chukwuma, 18; Obinna Osuamma, 18; Sylvester Nnadike, 60; Tochukwu Precious, 22; Destiny Albert, 22; and Caroline Oziomele, 25. All are residents of Obokofia.
Other members of the gang fled during the operation and are being trailed, according to police.
Exhibits recovered include: one AK-47 rifle, two locally made double-barrel guns, four locally made pistols, two live cartridges, a blue Toyota Highlander SUV without a number plate, an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz GLK Jeep with reg. no. YAB 831 DQ, three Q-Link motorcycles, one Sumec generator set, and eight branded cult caps.
CP Bosso said the Command will continue to sustain its offensive against violent crime through collaboration with other security agencies, vigilante groups, and community stakeholders. Investigations are ongoing.
