A 29-year-old chef identified as Ulagu Philemon Chukwuma, has been arrested by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, in connection with the abduction of his employer’s 12-year-old son, Justin Nwakwo.
Justin was kidnapped on February 10, 2024, in Jabi area of Abuja.
Spokesperson of the command, SP Josephine Adeh, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, February 18, said the suspect works as a chef for the Nwakwo family, adding that he connived with one Donald Arinze, to commit the crime.
According to the PPRO, the suspect had collected N3.9m as ransom from the victim’s father before he was arrested by officers of the Utako Police Divisional Headquarters.
“Philemon, a domestic worker, who serves as a chef to the Nwakwo family, was arrested by officers of the Utako Police Divisional Headquarters that were following up on investigations to rescue the abducted boy and also to arrest the perpetrators,” the statement read.
“Investigations by the Police revealed that the principal suspect, who has since confessed to the crime, conspired with one Mc Donald Arinze, currently at large to commit the crime.
“The suspects had earlier forcefully obtained a cash sum of three million, nine hundred thousand naira (3,900,000) as ransom from the victim’s father.
“The arm of the law however caught up with the criminals following intensified efforts by the Police. The boy was rescued unhurt and reunited with his parents.
“The cash sum earlier extorted was equally recovered. While effort is still ongoing to apprehend the suspects at large, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igwe, psc, mni, wishes to reiterate his unflinching commitment to ensure the safety of all in the Territory.
“He equally encouraged residents to involve the Police in the profiling of their domestic workers, noting the new trend and pattern of kidnapping by domestic workers.
“He urged residents to report suspicious activities through the following emergency lines ; 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883.”
