Police Arrest Lebanese, Accomplice for Kidnapping

The suspects 

By Chiemelie Ezeobi

The Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Lagos State Police Command, yesterday paraded a Lebanese, Mohammed Dannawi, who had connived with their domestic staff to kidnap his aunt, Alhaja Essa Dannawi.

The suspect alongside a former domestic staff of the victim, Obi Kwentua had abducted the 61-year-old woman from her residence and kept her hidden in their hideout in Oyingbo before she was released.BTo ensure the release of the victim, the suspects had initially demanded fora ransom of N100million but later reduced it to N4million.

SARS operatives led by the Officer-in-Charge,  Abba Kyari, a Superintendent of Police, were said to have commenced investigations upon receiving the report.

Their searchlight was first thrown on family members of the victim and upon interrogation, Mohammed was arrested by the police.

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ngozi Braide, said the suspect had confessed that he embarked on the nefarious act because his aunt had annoyed him.

She said, "On May 2, a Lebanese, Alhaja Essa Dannawi, was kidnapped at her residence at No. 40 Abule Nla Road, Ebute Metta. The case was transferred to SARS by Area C.

"The OC SARS, had an extensive interview with a family member of the victim as a result, useful information was gathered and one Mohammed Dannawi, a nephew and a staff of the victim was arrested seven days later.

"Upon interrogation, he confessed to have organised the kidnapping of his aunt because she offended him. Thereafter, SARS operatives used him to stage and arrest the leader of the kidnappers; Kwentua."

She added, "Kwentua had gone to Rita Lori Hotel, in Surulere to collect the N4million ransom which they had demanded from the relatives of the victim. Eventually, the victim was rescued at their hideout in Oyingbo area of Lagos."