NINE persons, including a supposed traditional ruler (names withheld) from one of the autonomous communities in Owerri North local council area are facing inquisition for their alleged involvement in a kidnap case.
It was gathered that the alleged kidnapping being investigated occurred about March 9, 2013, in which the victim, Mr. Uchechi Nlemadim, a car dealer in Owerri, was injured in the process.
It was equally gathered that Nlemadim lost N950, 000, which was the proceeds from the sale of his Sports Utility Vehicle.
Narrating his ordeal to newsmen, Nlemadim said he was returning from where he went to collect some money at about 10.30 p.m when he was attacked and pushed into a waiting golden colour Toyota Corolla car.
“As God would have it, the villagers raised alarm and quickly contacted the Owerri North Police Division and they swung into action,” Nlemadim narrated.
He recalled that the hoodlums hit him hard on his neck and fled after removing all his personal effects, including cash in his possession.
He said: “The hoodlums hit me very hard on my neck. They removed all my personal effects, including cash. Honestly, I narrowly escaped death.”
All efforts made to reach the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mrs. Joy Elemoko, on the issue proved abortive as her phone was switched off.
A senior police officer in the Command, who did not want his name mentioned, however, said he “heard such a story” but could not give details.