The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers allegedly involved in the murder of a victim after collecting a N6.9 million ransom, officials said on Monday.
Police Public Relations Officer Grace Iringe-Koko identified the suspects as Hassan Mohammed (20) from Wandigah Town, Borno State; Bello Abubakar (25) from Sokoto State; and Yusuf Ahmed (23) from Hazari LGA, Bauchi State.
The arrests followed an investigation into the abduction of Humphrey Wagbara of Igwuruta-Atali. During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to multiple kidnappings across the state.
The suspects also kidnapped Mercy Chinyere on September 12, 2025, demanding N3.5 million before releasing her unharmed.
“On August 26, 2025, the Rivers State Police Command received a report of Humphrey Wagbara’s abduction. Operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit carried out a coordinated operation on September 19, 2025, arresting the three suspects in Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre LGAs,” Iringe-Koko said.
Past kidnappings linked to the suspects include Onwuli Jude and Nwabueze Nchekwube, abducted on September 24, 2025, where a N6.9 million ransom was collected and one victim killed.
Recovered items from the suspects included a G-3 rifle with magazine, three short daggers, a jack knife, a stainless short knife, and a mobile phone belonging to one of the victims.
The suspects and seized items remain in police custody, while detectives continue tracking other members of the criminal syndicate and searching for additional weapons.
Separately, the Rivers State Police confirmed the arrest of 48-year-old Emmanuel George for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl in Port Harcourt on September 6, 2025.
Authorities said George lured the minor while she was on an errand and has been detained pending further investigation.