Niger State Police Detain Trio Posing as EFCC Agents in Student Kidnapping Case

The Niger State Police arrested three individuals impersonating EFCC operatives who attempted to kidnap and extort Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University students. They were caught with electric tasers and fake identification cards. One suspect remains at large while the police work to dismantle the criminal ring.

In a significant development, the Niger State Police Command has apprehended three individuals impersonating operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). These suspects reportedly engaged in criminal activities targeting students from the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University in Lapai. The police action took place following an alarming incident on May 13, wherein the impersonators attempted to abduct and extort money from students living off-campus.

The suspects—identified as Emmanuel Linus, aged 30, Hyelda Aliyu, 28, and Abduljallid Tanko, 33—allegedly raided the students’ residence, presenting themselves as EFCC agents armed with electric tasers that resembled guns. During the incident, they managed to kidnap two students and demanded a ransom of N10 million, although they eventually settled for a reduced amount of N500,000 after negotiations.

Thanks to timely intelligence, officers from the Lapai Division of the police intervened swiftly, leading to the arrest of the suspects along Suleja Road in Kwakuti. They were found in a Toyota Corolla vehicle, which was identified with the registration number ABJ 245 CU. It is noteworthy that one suspect, identified as Alfa James, evaded capture during the police operation.

Upon their arrest, the suspects revealed that they were allegedly linked to informants named Mohammed Hassan and Hamisu Adamu, who reside in Angwan-Hausa, Lapai. Further investigations uncovered that the suspects had produced forged EFCC identification cards. These counterfeit IDs were crafted at a print shop in Nyanya, Abuja, and interestingly all displayed the same fraudulent ID number: 1069.

Emmanuel Linus, one of those in custody, has been highlighted by police as a dismissed soldier with a previous criminal record; he was convicted on charges related to criminal offenses just two years ago. With this context, the police have reassured the public of their commitment to not only apprehend the escaping suspect but also to dismantle the broader illicit operation behind this case.

In summary, the Niger State Police Command has taken decisive action against a trio posing as EFCC operatives, successfully arresting them for their attempts to kidnap and extort students. Their use of forged IDs and criminal backgrounds raises serious concerns about safety in the area. Meanwhile, authorities are determined to track down the remaining suspect and combat the ongoing criminal network affecting local youths.

Original Source: punchng.com