Operatives in Imo State have arrested the leader of an alleged kidnap gang, Amarachi Amadi, alias Ishiegburumma.
Ishiegburumma, 28, was arrested on 29th August, 2022, following a gun fuel with the operatives during he reportedly sustained bullet wounds and eloped into the forest before his eventual arrest.
The Imo State Police Command spokesman, CSP Michael Abbatam, confirmed the arrest in a statement.
While combing the forests, said the statement, the operatives found Ishiegburumma’s kidnapped victim, Uzondu Ikeazuta, 45, a native of Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, on chain. He was freed unhurt.
In the course operations, the operatives recovered, as exhibits, One Cut to Size Single Barrel Gun with six rounds of live cartridges;
One locally-made Double Barrel Short Gun; One Imo State bus with registration number WER 04 XB; and One dagger.
Also recovered were One ATM Card; Substances suspected to be Indian Hemp; Airtel recharge cards; Assorted charms; Ropes used in tying their victims; and three cell phones
In the course of debriefing the victim, it was revealed that he was kidnapped by a five-man armed gang, on the 28/8/2022 at about 1am, at Imo Specialist Hospital junction Umuguma in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
While in their custody, he said he was subjected to inhuman tortures that almost resulted in the cutting off his manhood for ritual purposes.
He said the kidnappers were demanding for a ransom of N1,700,000.00 before for his release from their captivity.
The suspect while undergoing interrogation, admitted being the Capone of the kidnapping syndicate and confessed to several kidnapping cases, but could remember vividly seven and how they beheaded one of their victim’s, Justice Ikechukwu Francis Okoroji on the 5th of January, 2020.
His confession has led to the arrest of one Oriaku Lucky, 26, of Umugologo Ohuba in Ohaji/Egbema LGA and Peace Victor Sunday, 19, of Unah Eket in Akwa Ibom State.
In line with the Command’s commitment to step down the tide of terrorism and kidnapping in the State, the Commissioner of Police, Imo Command, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde, had directed the Command’s Tactical teams to embark on vigorous raids of all criminals hideouts in the forests, collaborating with the vigilante groups of the various communities.
