The Delta State Police Command has arrested Ndubisi Okechukwu, a former councillor who represented Emu-Uno in Kwale LGA, on allegations of involvement in kidnapping.
This significant arrest occurred on October 21, 2024, as part of a larger investigation into potential kidnapping activities in the region.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe confirmed the development in a statement released on Sunday, detailing the circumstances that led to Okechukwu's apprehension.
He stated, “The DPO Abbi Division CSP Florence Onum received credible intelligence that there was a plan to kidnap a prominent member of Abbi community. This information prompted immediate action from the police force.”
“Acting on this intelligence, the DPO Kwale and operatives of the Division embarked on a discreet investigation, and on 21/10/2024, at about 1900hrs, one Hon. Ndubisi Okechukwu, a two-time councillor in Emu-Uno, Kwale, was arrested,” he added. This proactive approach reflects the police's commitment to tackling crime in the area, particularly as it relates to kidnapping threats.
According to the Police image maker, “The suspect stated that he was suspended from being a councillor, which raises questions about his motives and current circumstances.”
“He further stated that he wanted to kidnap the said woman so that the local government would pay the ransom since he knew the woman was close to the local government chairman,” the police spokesperson explained, shedding light on the suspect's alleged plans and motivations. This revelation indicates a calculated approach to the kidnapping, based on perceived connections to local government officials.
The suspect is currently in custody as investigations continue into the allegations surrounding his involvement in kidnapping. The police have expressed their determination to thoroughly investigate the case and bring any other individuals involved to justice.
In other news, the Enugu State Police Command has released photos of an officer involved in a separate incident concerning the fatal shooting of male traditional Ogene musician, Okezie Chikezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo-Jah.
Gistreel had earlier reported that this tragic incident occurred on the evening of October 25, 2024, at the headquarters of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad in Enugu State, prompting widespread concern and demands for accountability.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer for the Enugu State Command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, Igbo Jah was leaving the squad’s headquarters after a visit when a police officer fatally shot him under circumstances that are still being investigated. The shooting occurred at approximately 8:10 p.m., raising significant public outcry over police conduct and accountability in the state. Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has since ordered a thorough investigation into the killing of the musician, highlighting the state's commitment to addressing such incidents seriously.
In a statement on Saturday night, Ndukwe identified the inspector involved in the incident as Joseph Ozonwanji, noting that he is currently in police custody pending the outcome of the investigation. “He is currently in custody and will be made to face the full weight of the law upon the conclusion of the investigation,” he asserted, signaling that the police force is taking this matter seriously and intends to uphold justice.
Furthermore, Ndukwe mentioned that the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has visited the musician’s family in the company of officials from the Enugu State Government, offering condolences and support to those affected by this tragic event.
He assured the people of Enugu State that the ongoing investigation into the case would be concluded promptly and justice would be duly served. The commissioner emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force remains a disciplined organization where erring police officers are usually punished for their misconduct, reaffirming the commitment to accountability and integrity within the police force.
Uzuegbu expressed his sympathy for those affected by the killing of the musician, urging Nigerians to have confidence in the Nigerian police to ensure justice in the matter. He stressed the importance of community trust in the police, particularly during challenging times when incidents of violence occur within society.