The Rivers State Police Command has officially acknowledged the arrest of four police operatives involved in the alleged kidnapping of a hotel staff in Port Harcourt. The victim, identified as Darlington, was reportedly apprehended on his way to work, and the officers later demanded a ransom for his release.
Darlington was reportedly stopped and searched by the police officers near Choba in Obio/Akpor local government area last Friday. Despite finding nothing incriminating, the officers, upon discovering where the victim worked, allegedly kidnapped him and demanded a one million naira ransom. They also threatened to kill him and dump his body into the Choba River, labeling him as a kidnapper.
The police officers reportedly tied Darlington inside a vehicle and patrolled with him until they reached a bush around Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area, where they intended to carry out their threats.
Luck turned against the rogue officers when the matter was reported to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO). The DPO, disguised as the victim’s father, negotiated the ransom payment with the officers. When the officers arrived at the agreed location for the payment, the DPO and his team disarmed and apprehended them.
Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, confirmed the arrest, stating that the officers are in custody. He emphasized transparency in handling the case and expressed readiness to address the issue once the victim files a formal complaint.
