The Imo State Police Command has arrested leader of a notorious kidnap gang, Uchenna Ugwueze.
The 34-year-old suspect is a native of Obolukwu in Ihioma, Orlu Local Government Area.
Ugwueze and four others were paraded at the police headquarters by the Commissioner of Police, Dazuki Galadanchi, for allegedly kidnapping Mrs. Evans Ajaps.
The clampdown and raid on criminal hideouts and flash points followed the murder of a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Sunny Ejiagwu.
Galadanchi said: “I will like to tell you that the policy of the Federal Government that says “if you see something say something”, and slogan of “change begins with me” is working in Imo State.
“It is good you know that through our community policing, our men got a tip off on the kidnap of Mrs. Evans Ajaps, they moved into action, and rescued her.
“The Imo State Police Command renewed its onslaught against crime following the murder of the APC Chairman in Ideato North, Sunday Ejiagwu, and the kidnap of the personal Assistant to Jerry Alagboso of Orsu council.
“We reorganised and restrategised the security architecture to effect the arrest of the perpetrators of the dastardly acts.
“Our efforts have paid off, resulting to the arrest of five notorious kidnap kingpins.
“Suspects have made useful statements and have confessed to the crime. They would be charged to court after investigation.”
Mrs. Ajaps, from Amadagba Ibiasiegbe in Oru coucil, said her prayer contributed to her rescue.
Narrating her ordeal, she said: “I was returning from the market and when I got to the gate of my house, the rushed me as I wanted to step into the compound.
“They were more than four boys; they overpowered me and dragged me into the vehicle while I was praying to God to rescue me. Fortunately, the car broke down on the way and all of them ran away into the bush. They also beat me very well.”
