The Police in Akwa Ibom State said it has smashed a notorious kidnapping gang responsible for a serious of high profile kidnapping for ransom criminality.
Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State, CP Muazu Zubairu made the disclosure while parading the ring leader of the kidnap gang, Okon Edem Udofia, of gang, vowed to flush out other criminals who have refused to heed his warning to get out of the state.
Giving further details on the arrest of the Kidnap kingpin, CP Muazu said 26 ye3ar old Udofia, is currently helping men of the Criminal Intelligence Unit of the Akwa Ibom Police Command to track down other accomplices still on the run.
He said Udofia has confessed to being the leader of a terror group operating in the state that specialized in abducting wealthy individuals for ransom.
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Furthermore, CP Muazu said Udofia masterminded and executed the abduction of Mr. Daniel Maurice Ekpenyong, the personal aide to the state Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Obong Paul Ekpo.
Police sources disclosed that Obong Ekpo paid heavily to secure the release of the victim, who also doubles as his personal driver.
Expatiating on the arrest of Udofia, CP Muazu, “Based on intelligence received, our men from the anti-kidnapping squad swung into action, traced him to his hideout and got him arrested.
CP Muazu disclosed that the suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigations have been concluded even as he called on the civil society to partner security agencies with a view to ridding the state of criminal elements.
His words, “The Police cannot do it alone, because these criminals live among the people and the people know them.”
The CP assured members of the public that the identity of those who volunteer information to the Police will be protected.
He then reiterated his warning to persons with criminal intentions to relocate from the state or be flushed out.
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