The police in Niger State have paraded two suspected members of a four-man syndicate that specialized in kidnapping students of Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna.
They also rescued three students already in the kidnappers’ den on Monday, July 17, 2017.
The suspects (graduates) included 30 years old Abraham Jatto from Edo State and his partner in crime, Idowu Mafe, 29, from Ogun State. It was learnt that they had been on the wanted list of the police before now.
They suspects were arrested from their hideout around, Sauka-kahuta area of Minna metropolis, by the state police command’s Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad.
One of the victims, 24 years old Miss Esther Okwe of the Department of Estate Management, 500 level, of the institution narrated how her parents were forced to cough out N500, 000 to buy her freedom from the criminals.
Two other students who have also encountered the gang – Agbo Sylvanus 24, Department of Mathematics, 500 level; and Peter Adown, 21, of Micro Biology Department, 400 level FUT, Minna – also had bitter tales of the gang.
One of the suspects, Mafe, who claimed to be a Graduate of University of Ilorin, said that he regretted his involvement in the crime.
He lamented:
“When the issue of getting Dubai job came up, my parents could not afford the amount (N750,000) they were demanding from us and Abraham raised the issue of kidnapping which led us to this predicament.
“I have dragged my good family name to the mud. Honestly, I must confess, I have a good up-bringing. I can’t even factor what led me to this shameful act. I pray that my parents will find a place in their hearts to forgive me”.
While pleading for mercy, Mafe said, “If am able to come out of this mess I will dedicate my life in fighting crime to standstill in Nigeria. I am extremely ashamed of myself and promise not to ever go back to it again”.
Another suspect, Jatto said that he decided to go into kidnapping just to raise money to secure a job offer in Dubai.
“I have rented two bedroom apartment at the back of Niger State Trade Fair complex to keep those kidnapped without my neighbours knowing about it”.
Jatto, a graduate of Edo State University however said regretted his actions, saying, “I was a successful businessman who never depended on people for assistance. In fact I cannot explain how I started kidnapping people.”
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Niger State Command, Bala Elkana, confirmed the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of one Honda Accord ash colour car with Abuja registration number, ABJ 583 AE used by the suspects in kidnapping their victims.
Elkanah assured that the command was fast closing in on the remaining members of the gang who are now on the run.
