King, his cousin and a pastor arrested for kidnappings in Imo

The Imo State police command yesterday paraded a traditional ruler, Eze Andrew Okwuegbunwa of Uba -Agwa autonomous community and seven others for allegedly kidnapping one police inspector, Oscar Mbaeri and Louis Obodo all from same community.

Other victims of the gang, according to the State police Commissioner of Police, Isaac Akinmoyede, are : Chigozirim Festus, from Egwelu Atta, Njaba, Anyanwu Amarachi and Desmond Okonkwo.

According to the CP, the gang at different locations in Owerri metropolis successfully kidnapped their victims.

During a certain operation, the suspects were forced to abandon three of their victims and their operational vehicle, a Lexus RX330 SUV, but escaped with two victims.

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A painstaking investigation later led to the arrest of the owner of the car, the monarch, who constantly made available his vehicle for the gangs operation, in exchange for money.

It was learnt that Eze Okwuegbunwa was given N3 million from the N7. 5 million ransom collected from their victims to replace his damaged car.

During interrogation, the monarch confessed hiring his vehicle to the gang and receipt of the money.

Also arrested is the spiritual father of the gang, pastor Caleb Agu, a cousin to the monarch, Ebenezer Obioha, and his pregnant wife, Ogechi, who is a graduate of accountancy from Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri believed to be their cook and banker.

Ebenezer, in a recent operation, was said to have killed three National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) officials and made away with their guns.