(Owerri)
The Imo State Police Command says it has arrested 28 suspects, including a 34-year old man, Obinna Anusiem of Umuima Atta in Njaba Local Government Area of the state who allegedly faked the kidnap of his wife, Chinyere, and their two children.
Mr Isaac Akinmoyede,the new Commissioner of Police in the state, while parading the suspects in Owerri,told journalists that the case of Ansiem’s wife and children was reported at Njaba Police Station on April 12 by his cousin, Okechukwu Anusie.
Akinmoyede said based on “discreet investigation” by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, it was discovered that the suspect (complainant) was actually behind the purported adduction.
He said it was further discovered that the suspect hid his wife and children in his in-law’s house in Okwudor community in the area.
The police chief said: “He hid them there and maliciously accused Okechukwu of kidnapping them because of land dispute and other family misunderstanding.
“He has confessed committing the crime.“The suspect will soon appear in court.”
Responding in an interview with journalists, Anusiem confessed to have faked the kidnap to punish his cousin who he accused of selling their family land and diverting the proceeds to his personal account without giving him a dime.
Obinna said: “I did not kidnap my wife and children.
“I only took them to my wife’s place because I want the police to arrest him for selling our land. “Please forgive me.”
The new CP promised to adopt the community policing strategy in fighting crime in the state.
Akinmoyede, who described as a peaceful state said,“I met a peaceful atmosphere when I came but I will not allow any criminal to operate freely in the state.”
He, however, warned officers and men of the command against human rights abuse and receiving bribe.
