Calabar monarch, two sons arrested over kidnap allegations

The Commander, 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Abdullahi Mohammed has handed over a traditional ruler of Obufa Obio, Ekong Anaku Akan Esio Clan, Calabar South LGA of Cross River State to the Police.

The traditional ruler, Chief Okon Essien, 45, was arrested alongside his two sons for alleged kidnapping in the community.

Addressing newsmen in Calabar, the Commander, 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Abdullahi Mohammed said preliminary investigations revealed that the traditional ruler, his two sons Victor Okon, 21 years and Offiong Okon, aged 20, were in charge of kidnapping operations in the community.

The Commander who was represented by the Officer Commanding 13 Brigade Provost, Major Stanley Ikpeme said investigations into the activities of the traditional ruler has commenced.

“You are please requested to furnish this office with the outcome of your investigation to enable us to update our record, the representative of the Brigade Commander said.

The army also arrested and paraded armed robbery suspects with charms purported to be used for robbery operations.

Among the criminal suspects arrested by the troops of Operation Akpakwu are 26 years old James Edet, who was said to have dispossessed members of his community around the Scanobo Filling station axis of their valuables until he was caught by the troops.

The troops also arrested 23 years old Felix Helekpa who had a locally-made pistol, a cartridge and charms used to aid his robbery operations with other gang members now at large.