Suspect: I’m sorry God, forgive me for kidnapping

Igbeaku Orji, UMUAHIA 

Mr Sunday Emmanuel (24), who was arrested for kidnapping, has admitted to his involvement in the crime, begging God to forgive him.

Emmanuel was among four suspects arrested by the Abia State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ene Okon. Other suspects are Essien Udim, Nkeruwem Etim Ebu, Chimaobi Joel and Ukachukwu Udo.

Okon said: “The community policing strategy adopted by the command is yielding positive results, with the consequent reduction of crime in the state. On June, 21, sequel to the kidnap of Chiebuka Akobundu Joshua along Azikiwe Road off Ururuka, Old Umuahia, Aba Road, the command anti-kidnapping team tracked the hoodlums to Ikoloma in Ikon clan, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State and with the assistance of policemen from Akwa Ibom Command arrested four of the kidnappers."

Okon said the victim was rescued unhurt, and has been reunited with family members. He gave the exhibits recovered from the suspects to include, “one locally made pistol, two live cartridges, Tecno, Itel, Nokia, Siccoo phones and multiple some cards."

Okon said that everything possible was being done to track down the gang’s fleeing members.

The suspects, just like Emmanuel, said they were sorry for taking to crime. The suspects were presented before the journalists by Okon.

Emmanuel said: “I was not directly involved in the kidnap of the victim. I was, however, detailed to keep watch over the victim in our hideout at Essien Udim in Akwa Ibom State. The real kidnap leaders are members of the gang from Akwa Ibom State, among who was Nkeruwem, while others were at large.”

Emmanuel, who admitted being aware that the victim was kidnapped, explained that on the day he was asked to keep watch over the captive, was the same day the police swooped on the gang.

He said: “On that day, police swooped on us and rescued the victim. They arrested four of us, while other members of the gang escaped. This is the first time I would be participating in kidnapping. Let me be honest with you. Before God and man, we committed the crime. I regret my action. I am sorry for it and I have even prayed to God to forgive me.”