Five Nigerians Arrested for Kidnapping and Ransom Scheme in the Philippines

In a dramatic early-morning raid on Thursday, five Nigerian nationals were arrested in Angeles City, Pampanga, after being accused of kidnapping a fellow Nigerian for ransom. 

The suspects—Evans Enwwereaku Chinemerem, David Chidera Ibegbulamo, Nwokeke Christian Ihechukwu, Nwokeke Cajothan Chinemmerem, and Okonkwo Emmanuel Kosiso—are all residents of Angeles City and are now facing charges of kidnapping for ransom. 

Additionally, they are being investigated for violations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (Republic Act 10591).

The coordinated operation was carried out by the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group, with assistance from local authorities in Mabalacat City and Angeles City. According to Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, the operation began at 5 a.m., following a tip-off that led authorities to the suspects' hideout in Barangay Malabanias.

The kidnapping involved Kingsley Chukwuemeka Ikeagwuana, a Nigerian student residing in Parañaque City, who had been allegedly abducted and held for ransom. Ikeagwuana, who lives at Urban Resort Residences in Parañaque, was reportedly targeted by the group after they demanded a significant sum for his release.

During the raid, police discovered three firearms—two .45 caliber pistols and a .38 caliber revolver—along with ammunition, raising concerns about the criminal activities of the group. Maranan expressed hope that the swift arrest would serve as a warning to others considering engaging in such criminal acts.

This operation is part of the Philippine National Police’s ongoing crackdown on organized crime and kidnapping syndicates operating within the country. Authorities have vowed to continue their efforts to ensure the safety of citizens, especially vulnerable foreign nationals living in the Philippines.

As the investigation continues, the authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies. The case highlights the growing concern over kidnapping-for-ransom schemes that have been increasingly prevalent in certain regions of the Philippines.

#NigerianArrests #PhilippinesCrime #KidnappingRansom #AngelesCity #PoliceRaid #PhilippineNationalPolice #KidnappingScheme #InternationalCrime