The Ebonyi State Police Command paraded 17 suspects linked to various crimes, including kidnapping, murder, and armed robbery. Among them, two individuals, Friday Igwe and Nnabugwe Ebube, were accused of murdering three Catholic worshippers at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Abakaliki, while others were involved in the kidnapping of United States returnees in Afikpo.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Akandu, disclosed that the armed men, led by Igwe and Ebube, invaded the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on December 24, 2023, killing three parishioners and stealing a vehicle. The police swiftly acted, arresting the mentioned suspects, recovering the stolen vehicle, and obtaining leads for further arrests.
In a related incident, Njoku Michael, one of the suspects involved in the kidnapping of US returnees in Afikpo, shared details of the crime. He revealed that he was unknowingly involved by a Fulani customer who promised him work in Afikpo. The mastermind lured Njoku into a forest, equipped them with weapons, and orchestrated the kidnapping. A ransom of N40 million, both in dollars and naira, was reportedly paid, and the suspects collected $30 from the amount.
These revelations shed light on the dark complexities of criminal activities, exposing the intricate web of involvement and coercion in such heinous acts. The police continue their efforts to dismantle criminal networks and bring perpetrators to justice.
