A commercial motorcyclist, Kelvin Ogaga, has been arrested by the Delta State Police Command for allegedly kidnapping a three-year-old girl he was engaged to transport to and from school.
The suspect allegedly diverted the child to an undisclosed location instead of taking her to school and later contacted her parents, demanding a ransom for her release.
He has been arrested by the Delta State Police Command for allegedly kidnapping a three-year-old girl he was engaged to transport to and from school.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the child’s parents had engaged Ogaga at a monthly fee of N10,000 to transport their daughter. According to him, the suspect had worked with the family for about three weeks before allegedly carrying out the abduction.
Edafe said police operatives, acting on jintelligence, tracked Ogaga to the Ughelli area of Delta State, where he was eventually arrested.
During interrogation, Ogaga allegedly confessed that financial pressure and an outstanding debt influenced his decision to kidnap the child. He claimed he had planned the operation for about three weeks and enlisted the help of a friend.
According to the suspect, he picked up the girl as usual but diverted the motorcycle to another location, switched off his phone and took her to a house where she was kept while ransom negotiations were ongoing.
He initially demanded N2 million from the parents but the amount was later reduced to N500,000. The parents reportedly paid the ransom, after which the child was safely released.
Inside Delta state:
Delta Woman Arrested for Trafficking Victim to Côte d’Ivoire Under False Pretence
Delta Girl Escapes Abidjan Prostitution Ring, Gets Support to Pursue Nursing Dream
Suspected Vandal Dies as Transmission Tower Collapses in Delta
Police said N127,000 believed to be part of the ransom, valuables allegedly purchased with the proceeds and the motorcycle used in the alleged crime were recovered.
The police said investigations are ongoing to apprehend other suspects allegedly connected to the incident, including those who may have assisted in keeping the child or planning the abduction.
The incident has raised concerns over the need for parents to properly verify individuals entrusted with the safety and transportation of their children.
About The Author
