By Ella Michaels
In a major breakthrough, the Imo State Police Command Anti-Kidnapping Unit has apprehended three individuals in connection with the kidnapping of Mr. Sabinus Ibe, a 48-year-old resident of Owerri.
The suspects, identified as Favour Dike (22), Ifeanyi Kingsley (30), and Wisdom Chikodi (31), were arrested on March 18, 2025, following thorough investigations and strategic operations led by the Commander Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Owerri.
According to the police report, Mr. Sabinus Ibe was abducted on February 22, 2025, at around 8:00 PM in Egbu, Owerri. The kidnappers demanded a ransom for his release, which was paid through a POS transaction. The payment was traced to a Moniepoint account operated by Favour Dike.
Upon arrest, Favour Dike admitted to receiving a two million naira ransom payment on the instructions of Ifeanyi Kingsley. Kingsley later confessed to providing Dike's POS account details at the request of his friend, Wisdom Chikodi, a member of the kidnapping syndicate.
Further investigation led to the arrest of Wisdom Chikodi in his hotel room at New Owerri. Chikodi then took operatives to the Old Township Stadium, Tetlow Road, where gang members fled upon seeing the police, abandoning an ash-colored Toyota Camry 2.4 model.
A search of the vehicle uncovered:
- *Two pump-action rifles*
- *One locally made gun*
- *18 live cartridges*
Several additional arrests were made as operatives pursued the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Police Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has reaffirmed the Command's commitment to fighting crime. He assured that the suspects will be arraigned in court after the investigation, and efforts are underway to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
The public is urged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police Station or via 0803 477 3600.
