The operatives of Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Imo State Police Command have arrested an armed robber and a suspected notorious kidnapper, Godwin Onyebuchi, popularly known as Papa G, in a polytechnic hostel.
The arrest of the Kidnap Kingpin, reportedly brought happiness to the residents of Owerri and caused them to jubilate, including police officers who gathered to have a glimpse of him.
Naijalog learnt that the suspect, who on many occasions, has escaped arrest by the law enforcment agents and had been on the wanted list of the police for a long time.
A police source, who rather prefers anonymity, revealed that Onyebuchi was caught on Saturday at Solo Lodge hostel located around Federal Polytechnic, Nekede. The hostel, until his arrest, served as his hiding place after deadly operations.
“In order to beat police investigation, he uses that hostel as a hiding place after deadly operations. He pretends to be a student. He knew police were tracking him.
“So, he does not have a phone. He borrows phones to make calls if there were needs for telephone conversation,” the source told Southern City News.
The suspect, the source added, was responsible for the kidnapping of a popular gospel singer, Chinedu Nwadike, and one Rev. Columba Okereke in August 2017.
“In August, 2017, a gang of armed robbers and kidnappers led by Godwin Onyebuchi, who operates between Imo and Abia states, abducted a popular gospel singer, Chinedu Nwadike, and Rev. Columba Okereke.
“The gang collected the Lexus 350 model car of one of their victims while a ransom of N5m was paid. The hoodlums equally collected other valuables from the victims.
“Acting on intelligence, the operatives of Federal Special Anti Robbery Squad of the Imo State Police Command, led by their commander, SP Victor Godfrey,swooped on him at his hideout, Solo Lodge hostel, Nekede, on Saturday and arrested him. On sighting the F-SARS operatives, he jumped down from the three-storey building and broke one of his legs,” the source further disclosed.
Naijalog gathered that the suspect was taken to police clinic, Amakaohia, Owerri, for medical attention. Further report has it that two other kidnap victims and the suspect’s gang members in the police detention had identified him as the ring leader.
Chris Ezike, the State Commissioner of Police, while confirming the arrest stated that the vigorous onslaught against criminals and their hideout was ongoing in the state.
“The suspect has been on the wanted list of the command. Acting on intelligence, we have to arrest him. He will be ready to answer for all his atrocities. As a command, we will continue to ensure that Imo people enjoy their sleeps,” the state/CP said.