The Delta State Police Command has arrested Nelson Eserada, a 400-level student of Delta State University, and his accomplice Jerry Lawrence for suspected involvement in a case of self-kidnapping. SP Bright Edafe, the command’s spokesperson, disclosed to journalists in Warri on Thursday that the suspects were apprehended in Abraka, Ethiope East LGA, following a coordinated operation on Monday.
According to SP Edafe, the arrest was made based on intelligence gathered by SP Fabian Ayameh, the Divisional Police Officer of Abraka division, after receiving a complaint from the father of the suspected self-kidnapper. The complainant had reported to the Abraka division about his son’s alleged abduction and the demand for a ransom of N50 million in Bitcoin by the kidnappers. The father also provided a video showing his son bound and being subjected to torture.
“Upon receiving the complaint from Nelson Eserada’s father at Abraka Division regarding his son’s kidnapping and the ransom demand of N50 million in Bitcoin, DPO Ayameh initiated a prompt intelligence-led investigation,” SP Edafe stated.
“On June 10, 2024, one Jerry Lawrence was arrested in connection with the crime,” he said.
Mr Edafe said that a preliminary investigation revealed that Mr Lawrence allegedly conspired with the suspected self-kidnapper to commit the crime.
He said the supposed kidnap victim was a 400-level student of Delta University (DELSU), Abraka.
The police spokesman said the father of the suspected self-kidnapper had already paid N5.2 million ransom through a Bitcoin account belonging to Mr Lawrence.
He said the suspects were in police custody, adding that an investigation was ongoing.
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