The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a notorious gang of ex-convicts after they attempted to kidnap a woman from her Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) in Woji Road, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The Command identified the three-man gang ringleader as Chinonso Emmanuel, a 37 years old native of Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State and father of three, who was imprisoned on charges of attempted murder.

The Public Relations Officer for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko in a statement on Friday night said the trio started started out as petty criminals operating within Ikwerre road axis of Port Harcourt, spanning from mile three to Rumuokoro, before they amassed more weapons and graduated to kidnapping and car snatching.

Iringe-Koko stated that the gang members formed their criminal alliance in prison after they were incarcerated for different crimes at the Port Harcourt maximum correctional facility, but decided to unleash terror on the society after they served their time and were released.

Narrating how the suspects were rounded up, the state Police Spokesperson said, the gang members were arrested when they attempted to kidnap one, Theresa Anyanwu, on the 14^th of January, 2023.

She said, “On the day of the operation, the impetinent bunch gathered under the Rumuokoro bridge to develop a strategy on how to identify and kidnap potential victims.

“They resolved that they would hire a tricycle ‘keke’ and use it to follow flamboyant cars discreetly before pouncing to seize them.

“They spotted Theresa in a Lexus SUV and began tailing her in the hired tricycle, and when she got to Woji, they saw an opportunity to swerve in front of her. She stepped on the brakes as they got in front of her, and they proceeded to alight the tricycle and board her car.

“They bundled her into the back of her car as one of them took the wheels and zoomed off, but the victim did not stop fighting them off. She continued to struggle, attempting to open the back door. Her struggles yielded success when she managed to open the door and stuck her leg out. The gang member charged with securing her pulled her back, but she had already drawn considerable attention from onlookers.

“Some commercial Keke drivers noticed the commotion as the vehicle passed them and gave a chase. The gang noticed they were being followed, abandoned the victim and the car, and took to their heels. In the confusion that ensued, the gang leader, Chinomso Emmanuel’s phone, fell out of his pocket into the victim’s car. The phone was then used to make arrests of the gang leader and other members of the gang.”

Iringe-Koko listed items recovered from the gang to include one machete and two daggers, adding that a locally made gun recently acquired by the gang was still in the possession of a fleeing member currently trailed by operatives.

She quoted the state Police Commissioner, CP Olatunji Disu, as urging members of the public to remain vigilant and collaborate with the police in the ongoing efforts to combat crimes and criminality in the State, adding that the CP has also commended operatives of the command for achieving the fear.

“The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu psc, commended the swift and effective action taken by the officers to apprehend the criminals and noted that the operation underscores the unwavering dedication and commitment of law enforcement personnel to preserving peace and security in Rivers communities.

“He also urges the public to remain vigilant and collaborate with the police in the ongoing efforts to combat crimes and criminality in the State.” (Saturday Independent)

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