Authorities in the Philippines have apprehended five individuals from Nigeria in Angeles City, Pampanga, on suspicion of kidnapping a Nigerian national named Kingsley Ikeagwuana.
Reports indicate that the suspects – Evans Chinemerem, David Ibegbulamo, Nwokeke Ihechukwu, Nwokeke Chinemmerem, and Okonkwo Kosiso – were taken into custody last Thursday.
They are set to face charges related to kidnapping for ransom and violating the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The Central Luzon Police director, Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, disclosed that the Nigerians were apprehended during a raid on their hideout in Barangay Malabanias conducted by operatives from various police units.
The suspects allegedly abducted Ikeagwuana, a student living in Paranaque City, and demanded ransom for his release.
Maranan stated, “This should act as a deterrent to those contemplating criminal activities and theft.”
Additionally, three firearms, including two .45 caliber pistols and a .38 caliber revolver with ammunition, were seized from the suspects.
The suspects are currently in police custody.
In a separate incident in September, three Nigerian nationals were arrested in Las Piñas City on charges of extortion and involvement in scams following a complaint by an individual.
The suspects were identified as Ugochukwu Osuagwu, Chinonso Omeje, and Benjamin Onu and were charged with extortion and violations of relevant laws.
The victim alleged that Osuagwu borrowed her GCash account and SIM number under false pretenses, leading to her unwitting involvement in their fraudulent activities.
The suspects were apprehended after demanding money from the victim, with authorities recovering cell phones, GCash accounts, and ATM cards from them.