The former driver and security guard to the Cross River State Commissioner for Industry, Mr Peter Agba, have been arrested for an attempted abduction.
CONVERSEER gathered that Egba’s former driver, Obi Ayim Joseph; former security guard, Maurice Ibangha; Gideon Luzan Timothy and Asuma Vincent were arrested after their plan to initiate the kidnapping failed.
They were arrested by the Anti-Cultism and Kidnapping Squad (Dragon Squad), a tactical unit of the Nigeria Police Force led by SP Ogini Chukwuma.
Findings revealed that the Commissioner had in November 2022, reported the matter to the Police that his security man, Mr Victor Bassey told him his former driver and gate man approached him to “allow” them to abduct his boss.
A security source who pleaded anonymity said that after much pressure on Mr Bassey by the former driver and Security guard, he refused to succumb.
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The source said: “Out of anger for not paving the way for them to kidnap his boss, they abducted him to an unknown location where they tortured him for 12 hours and asked him to lure his boss to their location but he said they should kill him because he can’t do such.
“He was later released but they kept on persisting by sending various threats via text messages to him. On January 29, the Dragon Squad got a call and swung into action.
“During covert operation carried out to Dragon squad led by SP Ogini Chukwuma, the former driver, Obi Ayim Joseph; former security man, Maurice Ibangha; Gideon Luzan Timothy and Asuma Vincent were apprehended at their hideout”.
CONVERSEER further gathered that a locally made pistol was recovered from the suspects, including criminal charms as well as various handsets.
Confirming the arrest, the Police spokesperson in Cross River State, SP Irene Ugbo investigations are ongoing in a bid to get to the root of the matter.
Peter Egba was the former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry before Governor Ben Ayade split it into the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Industry – headed by Barr. Rosemary Archibong and Egba respectfully.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Women Affairs in the state, Mrs Gertrude Njar was kidnapped at about 8:00am along Mayne Avenue by Atumunu on Wednesday by hoodlums dressed in military attire.
