H.A. Nwagwu, a Department of State Services (DSS) official, testified in court that the use of tracking technology played a crucial role in apprehending two suspected kidnappers of Obiora Agbasimalo, the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Anambra?s 2021 election.

Nwagwu, who appeared as the 7th Prosecution Witness (PW7) before Justice C.N. Mbonu-Nwenyi of the Anambra State High Court in Nnewi, explained that without the tracking technology, the accused?Chukwudi Odumegwu and Maxwell Nwokolo?would not have been apprehended.

The DSS official detailed that the agency began its investigation after the kidnapping of Agbasimalo on September 18, 2021, in the Lilu community, Ihiala Local Government Area, while he was attending a political function. Agbasimalo?s whereabouts remain unknown.

Nwagwu stated that after being notified of the kidnapping, the DSS conducted interviews with key witnesses, including the victim?s wife, Mrs. Eucharia Agbasimalo, which helped identify and track down the accused. The investigation, which began in April 2022, led to the capture of Nwokolo in Lagos?s Amuwo Odofin area. This arrest eventually led to the capture of Odumegwu.

The suspects, who are facing charges of conspiracy and kidnapping under Suit No. HIH/15C/22, allegedly kidnapped Agbasimalo and demanded a ransom of N7 million. Despite receiving the ransom, Agbasimalo was not released.

In his testimony, Nwagwu outlined the use of technology to trace the mobile phones of the accused and the victim. The analysis showed that Odumegwu was in the vicinity of the crime scene and had been involved in prior kidnap incidents in the same area. Additionally, the victim?s mobile phone was traced to the same location.

The trial continues, with the next hearing scheduled for February 21, 2025. (Sunday Vanguard)

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