The long arms of the law finally caught up with two suspected kidnappers of a British citizen, living in Nigeria, as the Federal Capital Territory, Police Command rescued him from their grips.
The two suspects paraded before newsmen yesterday at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, were Chidinma Okoye, 31, who said he was introduced to the illicit business by one Ifeanyi, who is on the run, and Paul Ikechukwu, 41, who received gunshot injury while battling with the policemen that arrested them.
Mr. Ian Weaver was kidnapped at about 8:45pm on June 22 close to his resident at Wuse 2, by Turkish International School, Abuja, on his way to Sheraton Hotel by some armed men, who blocked his moving vehicle and ordered him out before taking him to a hideout in Dutse Alhaji area of FCT.
The kidnappers, numbered six, were said to have earlier demanded a ransom of $3 million and later brought it down to N10 million.
Inspector General of Police, IGP, Ogbonna Onovo, while handling the rescued Briton to the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, said the feat was achieved through the timely information from members of the public, whom he said noticed some funny movements around the area and reported to the FCT police.
While commending the spirited effort put up by the FCT police, headed by the Commissioner of Police, CP, Mr. Haruna John, the IG said but for their timely intervention and gallancy, the suspects would have got away with their nefarious activities.
“Early this morning (yesterday), personnel from the FCT command, on information, searched through the bush in Dutse Alhaji, where Weaver was kept and ensured that he was rescued safe and sound, without paying a kobo for his release. I must say here that since this incident happened on Tuesday, police in the Command had been working round the clock to ensure that he is rescued, when it was obvious that the man was being held by kidnappers, who were already demanding a ransom of some millions of dollars.
“With necessary and adequate equipment and logistics put in place, Nigeria Police would achieve a lot in the area of protection of lives and properties, which is our primary duty. We also need assistance from members of the public. But for the information given the police by members of the public in this case, it would have been a bit difficult for us and I want to ask for more partipation of the people in reducing crimes to the bearest minimum level. Once again, I thank the Commissioner of Police in charge of FCT and his officers and men in achieving this great feat.’
Narrating his ordeal in the hands of his kidnappers, Weaver said immediately he was kidnapped, he was taking to the bush, where he was made to sleep on a stone for the four days he spent with them without taking his bath.
Although the Briton said he only received a minor torture, but that there was a constant fear and threat that he could be shot at any point in time if his people did not pay them the ransom.
Weaver, who said he came to Nigeria since 1982, said he was given plain rice, chicken and fruit drink while he was still in the custody of the kidnappers.
The British High Commissioner, who received Weaver from the police headed by the IG, said he was delighted to see his brother rescued and called for more proactive way in dealing with the menace.
He thanked the FCT Command Commissioner and the IG for the rescue operation.
The two suspects are currently assisting the police in arresting other members of the gang, who escaped police gun shots.