The Imo State Police Command has successfully arrested three individuals
linked to the kidnapping of a 48-year-old businessman, Sabinus Ibe, in
Owerri.
Police spokesperson Henry Okoye, while parading the suspects before journalists, identified them as Favour Dike (22), Ifeanyi Kingsley (30), and Wisdom Chikodi (31).
According to the police report, Ibe was abducted in Egbu, Owerri, on the evening of February 22, 2025. Following a thorough investigation, law enforcement operatives apprehended the suspects on March 18. The breakthrough came after a ₦2 million ransom transaction was traced to a Moniepoint account registered to Dike, who operated a POS business at the Timber and Allied Market.
Upon questioning, Dike admitted to receiving the ransom under the instruction of Kingsley, a trader at the same market. Kingsley later disclosed that he provided Dike’s POS account details at the request of Chikodi, whom police identified as a key member of the gang.
Chikodi was later tracked to a hotel in New Owerri, where he was arrested. His interrogation led officers to Tetlow Road’s Old Township Stadium. Upon their arrival, other gang members fled, abandoning a Toyota Camry. A search of the vehicle yielded two pump-action rifles, a locally made firearm, and 18 live cartridges.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating criminal activities and assured that the suspects would face legal action. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities to the police via the official emergency contact: 0803 477 3600.
Police spokesperson Henry Okoye, while parading the suspects before journalists, identified them as Favour Dike (22), Ifeanyi Kingsley (30), and Wisdom Chikodi (31).
According to the police report, Ibe was abducted in Egbu, Owerri, on the evening of February 22, 2025. Following a thorough investigation, law enforcement operatives apprehended the suspects on March 18. The breakthrough came after a ₦2 million ransom transaction was traced to a Moniepoint account registered to Dike, who operated a POS business at the Timber and Allied Market.
Upon questioning, Dike admitted to receiving the ransom under the instruction of Kingsley, a trader at the same market. Kingsley later disclosed that he provided Dike’s POS account details at the request of Chikodi, whom police identified as a key member of the gang.
Chikodi was later tracked to a hotel in New Owerri, where he was arrested. His interrogation led officers to Tetlow Road’s Old Township Stadium. Upon their arrival, other gang members fled, abandoning a Toyota Camry. A search of the vehicle yielded two pump-action rifles, a locally made firearm, and 18 live cartridges.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating criminal activities and assured that the suspects would face legal action. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities to the police via the official emergency contact: 0803 477 3600.
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