Imo monarch regains freedom after 13 days in captivity

Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri, the former chairman of the Imo state council of traditional rulers, who was abducted by gunmen, has regained his freedom.

Henry Okoye, police spokesperson in the state, confirmed the development while addressing journalists on Thursday.

Ohiri was abducted from his palace in Orodo community, Mbaitoli LGA of Imo state on January 6. He had spent 13 days in the kidnappers’ den.

He was the chairman of Imo council of traditional rulers under Rochas Okorocha, former governor of the state.

Okoye said the monarch was rescued when officers of the anti-kidnapping unit of the command raided the hideouts of the kidnappers in a forest.

He said during the raid, the operatives arrested one of the abductors, while many others fled the location.

He said the command had earlier apprehended one of the kidnappers during a manhunt at their enclaves, adding that the suspect informed the police of the whereabouts of the others.

He said the kidnappers, upon sighting the police, engaged them in a gun battle but were overpowered by the operatives.

“We have two of the kidnap suspects in our custody. One led to the arrest of the other. We are making frantic efforts to get on the fleeing members,” he said.

“The traditional ruler has been released. We didn’t hear of paying any ransom earlier before their arrest.

“Although, he had been held captive for almost two weeks, pale and emotionally troubled, he is still hale and hearty.”