The State Security Service, Ebonyi State Command, has arrested two alleged kidnappers of Chief Kennedy Ogba, the former Deputy Leader of the state House of Assembly,
Ogba, the brother-in-law to Dr. Sam Egwu, a former governor of the state, was kidnapped on February 7.
The State Director of the SSS, Laasan Baba, while parading the suspects, said Ogba was kidnapped at Nsurakpa Village in Ohaukwu Local Government Area by three armed men.
Baba said: “The kidnappers were arrested on Friday by my officers at Ndubia Local Government Council when they came to collect the N2 million ransom money they had demanded.
“The suspects include Chukwuemeka Nwafor, a notorious herbalist, armed robber and kidnapper from Abaomege, Ebonyi, and Anayo Kalu from Abia.
“When they were arrested, we found a list of high profile persons, including politicians, local government chairmen, businessmen, women, children among others, all pencilled for kidnap this year.”
Baba said that the aim of the kidnappers was to cause confusion in the state as elections were approaching.
He added: “We have been able to uncover this plot and I believe strongly that there would now be respite in the state.”
Baba said that some members of the gang escaped during the operation and promised that efforts would be intensified to arrest and prosecute them.
He said: “The two suspects in our custody sustained various degrees of injuries during the gun battle with our officers.
“They are currently receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.”
Speaking with newsmen, one of the suspects, Nwafor, denied involvement in the act.
He said that he was a motorcyclist operator going about his normal business when he was arrested.
Recounting his ordeal in the hands of the hoodlums, Ogba said he was blindfolded and kept in a shrine all through his captivity.
“I thank God for my release and commend the SSS for their gallantry,” he said.
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