A Doctor, Innocent Iwegbu, who was kidnapped while on his way to work on Monday, July 13, has been rescued by Police operatives attached to the World Bank Police Station in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

Confirming the release of the Kidnapped Doctor, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Anthony Ogbizi, said Iwegbu was rescued unhurt, adding that no ransom was paid for his release. The Police Boss disclosed that while the kidnap victim has been reunited with his family, the Police has also arrested one of the suspected kidnappers identified as Ogbonna Ikechukwu. He further disclosed that the doctor was released, through information given to the police by some residents of the area, where he was held hostage.

The arrested 28-year-old suspect, who claimed to be working as a labourer at the Timber market in Umuahia, said his friend identified only as Sunday was the person that introduced him to the six-man kidnap gang, adding that their last operation was the first time he was partaking in the crime.

“I moved into Sunday’s apartment because I was finding it difficult to pay my transport fare from my village to Umuahia every day. When I complained to him, he asked me to come over to his house. I travel to my village to see my wife and daughter every weekend.

“After staying with Sunday for some time, he introduced me to some of his friends and told me that there was another business they do and if I was interested, I could join them. That was how I joined the gang” he said.

The suspect who identified other members of his gang as Ogboni, Bad Dog, Moses and another boy also known as Sunday, said it was one elderly man who he could not identify that gave them information that the medical doctor could pay ransom if they could kidnap him.

“One man that we call Papa was the one giving us information about the doctor. The doctor and Papa are neighbours.

“On Monday, Sunday and the others went after the doctor. They kidnapped him and brought him to our house. I didn’t join them to kidnap him, but I was asked to look after him in the house” he said.