Kogi Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, in Lokoja on Tuesday paraded nine suspects who had allegedly participated in various crimes, including kidnappings, murder, thuggery and armed robberies recently in various parts of the states
Two of the suspects, ThankGod Joseph and Monday Mathew, according to the police commissioner, were arrested for terrorising residents of the Onicha-Igo community in Ofu LGA of Kogi State.
Onuoha added that the gang was also believed to be responsible for a series of armed robbery attacks, assaults, thuggery and mischief in the community.
Giving more information on the operation of the gang, Onuoha said on 23/03/2023 at about 0130hrs, they invaded the house of one Mrs. Rachael Agada, firing guns sporadically and robbing the occupants.
He said the suspects kidnapped the house girl of Mrs Agada, named Nawaitu, and stole her Hilux Van. In addition, he said that on 28/01/2023, the hoodlums killed one Miss Queen Onoja without any just cause.
Also paraded was one Daniel David, a serial car snatcher as well as Akoji Ojo, Abdulmumun Zakari and Ali Abdulrahman, said to be kidnappers operating in Lokoja and environs.
According to the CP, the suspects confessed to their various criminal roles in the commission of the crimes and admitted to having carried out several kidnapping, and armed robbery attacks on innocent people as well as travellers on the major highway in the State.
Items recovered from the suspects included three stolen vehicles, arms, ammunition, Jerry cans of oil, handsets, and military uniforms.
“While soliciting for more cooperation from the good people of Kogi State, by continuing to provide credible and timely information to the Police, I want to assure you that the Police Command will not relent in its efforts in crime prevention and public safety in the State.
“Those who engage in criminal activities are warned to desist from such and hand over their arms and ammunition to the Police and engage in something meaningful for their lives or be prepared to face the full consequences of their actions,” the Kogi State police commissioner concluded.
