A 35-year-old suspected kidnapper, Victor Ini, has told the Rivers State Police Command that he joined a kidnapping gang after he was promised N40,000 for his role in abducting a woman.
Ini, a native of Akwa Ibom State, made the disclosure during interrogation in a video shared by the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Blessing Agabe, on Wednesday.
The suspect allegedly said the gang abducted the woman, identified as Loveth, from her shop on September 2, 2026, with plans to collect money from her before releasing her.
He alleged that the woman’s neighbour, identified as Chukwuebuka, was responsible for recruiting the gang and told them that she had money.
According to Ini, it was his first time working with the gang and he had not received any payment from the operation.
He said, “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. 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.
“The people working with me are Chukwuebuka, Chinedu, Okwozichi and Evance. This is my first time in the business and I have not made any money. They promised to give me N40,000.”
In a separate statement, Agabe said Ini was arrested during an intelligence-led operation launched by operatives of the Eleme Police Division following Loveth’s abduction.
She said Loveth was seated in front of her shop on September 2 when armed men allegedly approached her, fired shots into the air and forced her into a vehicle.
Agabe said the police later engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun battle, resulting in Ini’s arrest.
She said, “On September 2, 2026, Loveth, while seated in front of her shop, was reportedly accosted by armed men who fired shots into the air before forcefully abducting her and taking her away in a vehicle.
“In the course of the operation, the Police operatives engaged the suspected kidnappers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. The operatives successfully arrested one member of the gang, one Victor Ini, male, aged 35 years, a native of Akwa Ibom State.”
The police said a silver-coloured mini Keke bus with registration number RBC 992 XE, Abuja, was recovered during the operation.
Other items recovered, according to the command, included two locally made pistols, one live ammunition, one mobile phone, two identity cards, two black gowns and a vehicle number plate bearing registration number KRK 528 HG.
The command said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the suspected gang.
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, assured residents that the command would continue to protect lives and property and ensure that those responsible for criminal activities were brought to justice.
He warned criminal elements that there would be no safe haven for them in Rivers State.
The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to tackle crime in the state.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
What do you think about this?
Drop your opinion in the comment section.
FOLLOW US & Share this with someone who needs to see this.
