Police arrest three kidnap suspects in Kogi, recover POS machine

The Kogi police command has arrested three suspected kidnappers accused of being members of a gang that attacks motorists on the Itobe-Anyigba highway the state.

The suspects, identified as Danlami Shauibu, Kabiru Amodu and Adejoh Tijani, were accused of being responsible for a series of kidnappings in the area.

William Aya, Kogi police spokesman, in a statement on Saturday, said the suspects were arrested by officers attached to the Itobe division in Ajaokuta area command.

Among items recovered from the suspects were a point-of-sale (POS) machine, charms and an axe.

“Consequent upon the activities of criminal elements terrorising Itobe and its environs, particularly Itobe-Anyigba highway, on 16/10/2021 the Police operatives attached to Itobe Division under Ajaokuta Area Command arrested the duo of Danlami Shauibu and Kabiru Amodu, both of Adumu village who were suspected to be responsible for a series of kidnap activities around the area,” Aya said.

“The suspects were arrested by the Police team following intelligence-led operations to contain the activities of criminal elements in the area. The suspects confessed to belonging to a gang responsible for terrorising road users along Itobe-Anyigba highway.

“During preliminary investigation, one of the suspects gave useful information that led to the arrest of another suspect named Adejoh Tijani of the same address on 22/10/2021 at about 8:30am.

“Upon search of their houses, the following items were recovered: One cut-to-size single barrel gun, one locally made pistol, one POS machine, one battle axe, one face mask, five live cartridges, and some assorted charms. Effort is ongoing to arrest other members of the gang.

“All the suspects will be charged to court on conclusion of investigations.”

He added that Idrisu Dabban, Kogi police commissioner, commended the officers for the arrest and assured residents “of the Command’s determination in synergy with other security agencies in the state to ensure adequate safety of lives and property”.