FOUR suspects who allegedly kidnapped the kidnapped the Auditor-General of the Federal Capital Territory in October, last year and a lecturer of the Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma have been nabbed by the Edo State Command of the State Security Service.
Also, three other suspects involved threat to life and extortion are also cooling their heels in the cell of the SSS.
Parading the suspects before Governor Adams Oshiomhole and newsmen yesterday, the state Director of the SSS, Mr. Bakore Tukur said the suspects were arrested at various locations.
According to the Director, “the first set kidnapped the Auditor-General and collected the sum of N10 million and it was in the process that we arrested them.
“The second set also kidnapped a lecturer of the Ambrose Alli University and also collected money. The items we collected from them included locally made guns and cut-to-size shot gun.”
Mr. Tukur revealed that when investigation is concluded they would be charged to court and he used the opportunity to thank the state government for the assistance rendered the agency in the combat of criminals in the state.
On his part, Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole commended the service for its efforts in combating the menace of kidnapping in the state.
According to the Governor, “this is yet another evidence of your industry, your tireless effort in combating crime in the state. I want to on behalf of the good people of Edo State publicly thank you and appreciate you and your officers for all you have been doing.
“In fact, I have told the President that 95 percent of the kidnappers arrested were done by the SSS together with help that of the Nigerian Army that give you the firepower to cover you up to go about these deadly operations,” he noted
Comrade Oshiomhole said, “I am happy that most of them confessed to the crime. I know over the past twelve months over four hundred have been arrested for kidnapping and it is now for the judiciary to do its part.”
The Governor expressed optimism that criminals in the state would be defeated and Nigeria would win the war against criminals.
He advised the press, “we report in banner headlines when people are kidnapped, but we report it in small letters when the kidnappers are arrested. It does not do us any good to give the impression that criminals are walking freely. It helps you and I for criminals to know that those who commit crime are being arrested.”
