CITIZENS COMPASS— A suspected kidnapper who disguised as an artisan has been arrested for his alleged role in the death of an 80 years old landlord in Delta State.
It was gathered that the incident occurred in the quest of the landlord to renovate his apartment and let it out.
However, fate took a different dimension as he ended up in the grave after being kidnapped and maltreated.
He was said to have slumped and died in the custody of his assailant who had already contacted his son and demanded for N2,000,000 (N2m) ransom.
Spokesperson, Delta State Command, Bright Edafe, on Thursday, confirmed the unfortunate incident to Citizens Compass.
In his updates, he said: 80 yrs old man who only wanted to renovate his apartment and give it to tenants, contracted a man to help with the renovation. Only for the suspect to connive with another suspect presently at large, and kidnap the old man. The man eventually slumped while they were at it. Instead of taking him to the hospital, they left him to die, and went ahead to call his son, demanded ransom of #2,000,000 which the son paid to them. It is always advisable not to make some certain movements alone especially when you are dealing with people you don’t know, you never can tell.
In a related development, the Command trailed suspected kidnappers to their hideout along Obulu-Uku Power Line, following a reported kidnapping incident in Ibusa and Enu-Ani Mega City, Ogwashi-Uku.
Edafe disclosed this in a statement: The Delta State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, psc, acipm, mnips, has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on kidnapping and other violent crimes across the State.
In a coordinated intelligence-led operation, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and cyber-crime squad in a combined effort with the military on 9 April 2026 at about 0040hrs, trailed suspected kidnappers to their hideout along Obulu-Uku Power Line, following a reported kidnapping incident in Ibusa and Enu-Ani Mega City, Ogwashi-Uku.
On sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire, leading to a gun duel. The operatives responded professionally, resulting in the rescue of two female victims, while two members of the kidnapping syndicate were fatally wounded. Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, nineteen (19) rounds of AK-47 ammunition, and four million, two hundred thousand naira (#4,200,000) suspected to part of the ransom collected from victims. A combing operation of the surrounding bushes is ongoing with a view to recovering additional arms and apprehending fleeing members of the gang. The injured suspects were taken to the hospital where they were confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, psc, acipm, mnips, commends the bravery and professionalism of the operatives and the support of the military, noting that such inter-agency collaboration remains critical in tackling violent crimes. He reassures residents that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urges members of the public to continue to provide credible and timely information to the Police.
