- Safiu Kehinde
Operatives of the Nigerian Police Force have arrested two Côte D’Ivoire nationals, Kacou Alleby and Angela Arisa, over alleged self-kidnap plot.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin.
According to the statement, the operatives attached to the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) had embarked on a rescue mission for one Kacou Alleby following a distress request received from the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja on behalf of authorities in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The 38-year-old purported victim was reportedly kidnapped and held hostage on 12th of September.
In reaction, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, issued directives to IRT operatives who then promptly launched a coordinated operation to rescue the foreign national.
Following intelligence gathering, the IRT operatives found the suspects in Matogun area of Ogun State, with Arisa firstly arrested.
The 28-year-old Ivorien later led the operatives to a hideout at an estate in Olambe, Ogun State, where the supposed victim was rescued unhurt.
Subsequent investigation revealed that the purported victim, Alleby, and the suspect, Arisa, had conspired to stage the kidnap with the aim of extorting his family in Côte d’Ivoire.
According to Hundeyin, they had recorded torture videos and voice notes demanding ransom to pressure the family into payment.
The Police spokesperson maintained that efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other accomplices who aided in producing the fake torture videos.
He reiterated the Force’s condemnation of such criminal conduct, stressing that self-kidnap is a serious crime under Nigerian law.
He also reiterated the IGP’s warning that criminal elements will face the full weight of the law as such acts not only undermine security but also attempt to tarnish the image of the country.