Kidnappers Abduct Former Anambra Commissioner, Demand N16m ransom

Posted by African Examiner Crime Watch, Featured, Latest Headlines Thursday, May 22nd, 2014

…As police foil bizman’s kidnap in Onitsha

FROM IGNATIUS OKPARA, Awka

Former Anambra State commissioner for Science and Technology Mr. Chike Okoli has been abducted by unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers.

The ex- commissioner, was whisked away Wednesday by the hoodlums at Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area of the Anambra State.

Okoli’s kidnap came barely few hours after police foiled another attempt by heavily armed men to abduct an Onitsha based businessman.

Our correspondent learnt that the one time commissioner was intercepted by gunmen that operated in a black SUV at Agulu on his way to his hometown, Nanka, a neighbouring community in Orumba South Local Government Area of the state.

A source closed to the family said that the criminals have opened negotiation with the family.

According to the source, the kidnappers, who had earlier demanded N50 million are now insisting on N16 million as ransom.

The source said the kidnappers have warned the family not to involve police.

Similarly, prompt intervention of policemen foiled another kidnap attempt on an Onitsha-based businessman who was also whisked away by gunmen from his shop on Wednesday.

African Examiner gathered that the gunmen had trailed the business mogul to his shop on Awka Road and ordered him into their Honda Accord car, leaving behind his Sports SUV still steaming without firing any shot.

But luck ran out on the hoodlums as they approached a police checkpoint on their way towards Otuocha, when the victim screamed loudly from the car, which made the police to stop the vehicle and three men in the car ran out and dashed into a nearby bush.

The policemen rescued the victim and recovered three AK47 rifles and some live ammunition from the vehicle.

Emeka Chuwuemeka, the State Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), who confirmed the two incidences, said efforts were on by the security operatives to apprehend the fleeing members of the notorious gang that has been terrorising Anambra state and environ.