Security & Crime
Police detain 41-year-old leader of kidnap syndicate along with seven accomplices in Delta
The 41-year-old leader of a kidnapping syndicate, Morrison Godwin, and other members of his gang who have been terrorising Warri and its surroundings have been taken into custody by the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Decoy Squad, under the command of ASP Julius Robinson.
Theophilus Akpofi, an adult male, Ominike Sunday, Jerusalem Sunday, Oghene Ogaga Sylvester, Felix Okoro, Henry Edeki, and Raymond Etchie are among the other accused members of the kidnapping ring who were taken into custody.
The kidnapping gang’s commander was apprehended at Sapele Town’s Amukpe Area at around 1100 hours, while the other members were apprehended at their meeting place on November 26, 20023.
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On November 19, 2023, at approximately 9 p.m., they were taken into custody on suspicion of abducting a 43-year-old woman who was being driven in her ML-350 Mercedes Benz along Shell Road in Sapele.
The victim was transported in her car until the fuel ran out, at which point they transferred her to their working tricycle.
On November 22, 2023, she was freed following the payment of a ransom of two million naira (#2.000,000).
In a written statement provided to Obasanjo News24, DSP Bright Edafe, the public relations officer for the Delta State Police, verified the story.
“Raymond Etchie “m” 46 years old, who negotiated and received the ransom; Felix Okoro “m” 40 years old, one of the syndicate’s operational drivers; Oghene Ogaga sylvester “m” 45 years old, who guarded the victim; Henry Edeki “m” 35 years old, Ominike Sunday “m” 23 years old, Jerusalem Sunday “m” 35 years old, and Theophilus Akpofi “m” 29 years old,” he said, naming the suspects.
The victim has identified all of the suspects, who have all confessed to the crime and acknowledged their individual roles, according to DSP Edafe.
“During questioning, the suspects revealed where the victim’s car was located—it was eventually found in Oghara Town.
“More is being done to recover the operational weapons of the syndicate.”