The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested three suspects over alleged kidnapping and human trafficking in Nung Oku, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Uyo on Tuesday.
She said operatives, acting on a tip-off, stormed the area at about 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 12 and apprehended the suspects, while others escaped.
According to her, the victim, a native of Igbanki in Orhionmwon LGA of Edo State, was allegedly recruited by his brother-in-law, a suspected human trafficking ring leader based in Burkina Faso. He was reportedly instructed to convey young girls from Uyo to Burkina Faso.
On arrival in Uyo, the victim was lured to a hotel in Nung Oku by the girls and some accomplices, who later held him hostage. The suspects allegedly demanded N4 million ransom, subjected him to severe beatings, and forced him to surrender his ATM card. About N111,000 was withdrawn from his account before they compelled him to contact his brother-in-law for more money.
A search of the hotel room led to the recovery of an international passport, national identity card, voter’s card, six ATM cards belonging to one Utuk Justine, a University of Uyo gate pass, three button phones, two Android phones, two power banks, and a mini bus with registration number KTE 867 XA.
John said the suspects remain in custody and are providing useful information to aid investigations, while efforts are ongoing to track down others who fled.
She assured that the command remains committed to tackling human trafficking and other organised crimes in the state.
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