Six suspects have been arrested in connection with the kidnap of Inengite Nitabai, who is President Goodluck Jonathan’s cousin.
Nitabai was abducted by 10 gunmen on February 23 at his home in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
He was driven out of his compound in his Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) by the bandits, who harassed his in-law and collected N400,000 from his wife.
There were concerns over Nitabai’s health after rumours of his death spread in Yenagoa.
Commissioner of Police Hilary Opara said six persons had been arrested in connection with the incident.
He, however, said he could not confirm rumours of the victim’s death.
“All l can tell you is that we are working very hard to ensure that the victim is released unhurt. We are sure that we can free him,” he said.
It was gathered that the kidnappers had promised to release their victim on Sunday but they failed to show up at Akemplai village in Ogbia.
Family members were said to have gathered at a location in the village to receive Nitabai but they waited in vain for him.
A family member, who was at the location from 9pm to 1am, said the abductors deceived them.
“We learnt that he was going to be released at Akemplai village in Ogbia. We went there and waited for hours. We neither saw the kidnappers nor their victim. We came back home disappointed and worried,” the source said.
It was further gathered that security agencies surrounded the village and the waterside with their gunboats as they waited for Nitabai.
Troops from the Joint Task Force (JTF), police anti-kidnap squad and the Department of State Security (DSS) were said to have laid ambush in the area.
The troops were reportedly withdrawn at 5am on Monday after the fruitless waiting game.
It was gathered that the police stormed Odioma in Brass local government area and arrested the father of the suspected ring leader of the gang.
The police were also said to have sent a special squad to an undisclosed location outside the state in search of Nitabai.
The troops were reportedly withdrawn at 5am yesterday after the fruitless waiting game.
It was gathered that the police stormed Odioma in Brass Local Government Area and arrested the father of the suspected ring leader of the gang.
The police were also said to have sent a special squad to an undisclosed location outside the state in search of Nitabai.
His assailants had initially demanded N500m ransom but rejected N30million offered them by the family members.
They described the offer as “too small” and demanded more money from the Presidency.
Jonathan paid a private visit to Otuoke, his hometown, in Ogbia Local Government Area, last Friday.
He attended the funeral of the late father of his aide, Mr. Patrick Oba, who hails from his hometown.
The President was reportedly briefed by heads of security agencies and his family members of their efforts to free Nitabai. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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