The police have arrested a 36-year-old suspected kidnapper, Osagie Felix, as two others escaped along Ibori road in Oghara, Ethiope-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The police also recovered one cut-to-size double-barrel pistol, six live cartridges and the sum of N410,000, which was part of the N500,000 ransom, double-barrel pistol, ten live cartridges and a laptop from the suspect.
The kidnap suspect was one of those who abducted a cleric with a black Lexus RX330 SUV with Reg No KWL 510 BH in Ologbo in Edo State.
The Delta State Police Command, led by CP Ari Muhammed Ali, confirmed the report in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe.
The police image maker said, “The DPO Oghara Division detailed and led operatives to the area where the said vehicle was sighted.
“Upon sighting the vehicle, the operatives laid ambush and waited for the suspects to show up.
“Three men later appeared to pick the vehicle and the operatives rounded them up, but two of the suspects escaped while one of them named Osagie Felix ‘m’ aged 36yrs of H & H Ologbo in Edo State was arrested.
“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of the kidnapping syndicate that kidnapped the Benin-based pastor.
“He led the operatives to freedom view hotel in Oghareki, where they were hibernating.
“Upon arrival at the hotel, the owner of the hotel aided the escape of the other two suspects and ran away.
“The suspect Osagie Felix led operatives to his room in the Hotel and upon search, one cut to size double barrel pistol, six live cartridges and the sum of N410, 000 which was part of the N500,000 ransom was recovered.”
According to him, “Suspect also led the operatives to another room where another double barrel pistol, ten live cartridges and a laptop were also recovered.
“The victim’s vehicle was also recovered to the station. Serious manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing.”