Jonathan’s Cousin: Police Nab 57-Yr Old Man, Five Others

The police authorities in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital have confirmed the arrest of a 57-year old father of the leader of a kidnappers’ gang and five others suspected to have abducted Chief Inegiete Netabai, President Jonathan’s cousin.
The suspects were said to have been arrested in Odioma community in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Netabai was kidnapped a fortnight ago from his home in Otuoke community of Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State by over 10 hoodlums who are now demanding for the sum of N500million as ransom for his release.
The state Police Commissioner, Mr Hilary Okpara, who stated this in a telephone interview, dismissed as “wicked lie” the rumours going round that Netabai has been killed by his abductors in their den.
According to Okpara, the rumour is a mischievous attempt to throw off track investigations into the kidnapping and the arrest of those involved.
It was gathered that though the extended family members of the victim have resorted to fervent prayers and fasting while seeking divine intervention for the release of the Septuagenarian; operatives of the police Anti-Kidnapping Squad are close to wrapping up the investigation and securing the release of the victim.
Reacting to the arrest of one of his members, Chairman of the Odioma Council of Chiefs, Chief Francis Clinton-Ikagi declared support for the police and the Bayelsa State Government over the ongoing attempts to apprehend suspected indigenes of the community involved in the abduction.
Another prominent chief from the community, the Eminingi 4th of Odioma Kingdom, Chief Obed Warobogu, also condemned the alleged involvement of some indigenes of the community and expressed support for the action of the youth and elders working with the police and the state government.
According to him, “it is appalling that the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan that has shown so much support for Odioma community and wept during a visit to destroyed Odioma would be subjected to such harrowing experience. We support the actions of the police and the state government in arresting the suspects and efforts to bring them to justice”.