The Imo state police command has paraded a thirty one (31) years old man, Osuagwu Kenneth, from Umukita Nnariambia in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo state, for kidnapping a fourty two (42) years old catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Odoemene Augustine, the parish priest of St. Jude catholic parish Umueze 2 in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of the state.
Briefing newsmen in Owerri, the Imo Commissioner of Police, Cp Isaac Akimoyede, said that it is his first briefing since he took over as the thirty Sixth (36th) Commissioner of Police, in Imo State Police Command.
He said upon his assumption of duty on 4th of May 2020, he met a relatively peaceful environment, pointing out that, it can be ascribed to the hard work and commitment to duty by the officers and men of the Command as well as the peace-loving nature of the good people of Imo State and the support of the state government.
According to Cp Akinmoyede, the crime fighting structure on ground is good, but like all good things, they can be made better by modifications and fine-tuning, adding that, it is what he intends to do.
He pointed out that, the process of modification will however be seamless, given the professionalism, hard work and dedication he has seen of the officers and men.
Even as he made it clear that, he his optimistic that the Command will achieve great success in the area of crime prevention and detection as a lot of energy will be put into this.
The CP further stated that, on the 12th of May 2020 report was received from one Rev. Father Tobias Ihejirika of St. Michael Catholic Parish Ugiri in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of the state about the kidnapping of his colleague, Rev. Fr. Augustine Odoemena of St. Jude Catholic Parish Umueze II, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area, according to him, one of the kidnappers who identified himself as ‘Aroo’ demanded for ransom of N2m as condition for the victim’s release.
The Imo police boss, further disclosed that, on receipt of the information, operatives of the anti kidnapping unit swung into action, through a painstaking investigation, they stormed the kidnappers hideout in a thick bush behind INEC Office Oru Ahiara, Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area, adding that, the hoodlums on sighting the operatives engaged them in gun duel.
He said the victim was rescued unhurt, and the above named suspect was arrested while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
The CP disclosed to THE DAILY VENDOR that the suspect confessed to having been arrested earlier this year with firearm in a case of armed robbery.
Some of the exhibits recovered were; Toyota Highlander SUV custom colour with Reg. Number KGE 235 RP, belonging to the victim, driver’s license of the victim, voters card of the victim and Tecno Spark smartphone of the victim, one double barrel gun cut to size, two live cartridges, other exhibits recovered were, one expended cartridges, face mask including one machete and Phone used in snapping and videoing their victim’s nudity.
