The police in Edo State have arrested a 40-year-old ex-convict, Richard John, for his involvement in kidnapping and armed robbery.
John was apprehended along with several other suspects for a series of crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and theft. During a press briefing in Benin, the state’s Commissioner of Police, Nemi Edwin-Iwo, stated that some members of the gang remain at large.
The police have identified the gang leader, Ishmael Peter, along with Emmanuel Audu and another suspect known only as Lucky, as those still evading capture. Edwin-Iwo noted that John had previously served time in Koton-Karfe Prison in Kogi State alongside some of the suspects who are now on the run.
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On May 7, the suspects reportedly attacked a victim named Promise Ehichiya in Illela Quarters, Ekpoma, Edo State. The victim was tied up and taken to an unknown location, where the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N6 million for his release. He was released only after the ransom was paid.
The Commissioner described how the suspects also stole the victim’s vehicle, a Toyota Venza, along with other household items such as phones, electronics, jewelry, and clothing. The stolen vehicle was later abandoned but was recovered by police operatives.
Acting on intelligence, police personnel from the State Intelligence Department arrested John in the Zone C area of Apo Resettlement Quarters in Abuja. During the arrest, officers found a Beretta pistol with three live rounds of ammunition in a bag he was carrying. A further search of his home led to the recovery of a gold chain and bracelet that were stolen during the kidnapping incident in Ekpoma.
Additionally, John assisted the police in locating other suspects, including Emmanuel Audu and Ishmael Peter, who were arrested at their residences. The police also seized an unregistered gold-colored Toyota Sienna and two motorcycles that the suspects used during their operations.
