The Delta State Police Command has apprehended Ndubisi Okechukwu, a former councillor who represented Emu-Uno in Kwale Local Government Area, over his alleged involvement in a kidnapping plot.
The arrest took place on October 21, 2024, following credible intelligence.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the development, revealing that the arrest came after a planned abduction of a prominent member of the Abbi community. Edafe disclosed that CSP Florence Onum, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Abbi Division, acted swiftly upon receiving information about the plot. She coordinated with the DPO of Kwale and a team of operatives to launch an investigation.
Edafe stated, “On October 21, 2024, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Hon. Ndubisi Okechukwu, a former councillor who served two terms in Emu-Uno, Kwale, was apprehended.” He further explained that the suspect confessed to planning the kidnapping to force the local government to pay the ransom, as he believed the targeted woman had close ties to the local government chairman.
Okechukwu allegedly admitted to feeling aggrieved following his suspension as a councillor, which drove him to conceive the kidnapping plot. The police have detained him while an investigation continues.
In related development, the Enugu State Police Command has identified and detained the officer involved in the fatal shooting of popular traditional Ogene musician Okezie Chikezie Mba, widely known as Igbo-Jah. The incident occurred on the evening of October 25, 2024, at the headquarters of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad in Enugu.
Police Public Relations Officer for the Enugu Command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday night, revealing that Inspector Joseph Ozonwanji has been taken into custody. The police spokesperson explained that Mba was leaving the squad’s headquarters when he was shot by Ozonwanji under circumstances that remain under investigation.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has ordered a thorough investigation into the killing. The Commissioner of Police in Enugu, Kanayo Uzuegbu, visited the deceased musician’s family alongside state government officials, expressing his condolences and assuring them of a transparent investigation.
Ndukwe stated, “The inspector is currently in custody and will face the full weight of the law upon the conclusion of the investigation.” He further emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined organization and that any officer found guilty of misconduct would be held accountable.
Commissioner Uzuegbu expressed sympathy for the family and urged citizens to trust that justice would be served swiftly. He reiterated the police force’s commitment to ensuring the matter is thoroughly investigated and resolved justly.
