By TSJ Reporter
Five Nigerian nationals were arrested in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines, on November 14, 2024, for their involvement in the kidnapping of fellow Nigerian, Kingsley Ikeagwuana. The suspects—Evans Chinemerem, David Ibegbulamo, Nwokeke Ihechukwu, Nwokeke Chinemerem, and Okonkwo Kosiso—are facing charges related to kidnapping for ransom and violating the Philippines’ firearms and ammunition laws under Republic Act 10591.
The arrest followed a successful joint operation between the Philippine National Police’s Anti-Kidnapping Group and local police from Mabalacat City and Angeles City. The operation resulted in a raid at a hideout in Barangay Malabanias, where the suspects were found.
The kidnapping occurred when the suspects allegedly abducted Ikeagwuana, a student residing at the Urban Resort Residences in Paranaque City, demanding a ransom for his release. During the raid, police seized three firearms, including two .45 caliber pistols and a .38 caliber revolver, along with ammunition.
Philippine National Police Director, Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, emphasized the importance of the arrests as a warning to criminals, stating, “Hopefully, this will serve as a warning to those who want to commit crimes and to thieves.”
In a separate incident, three Nigerian nationals were arrested in Las Piñas City in September 2024 for extortion and involvement in scams. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) apprehended Ugochukwu Osuagwu, Chinonso Omeje, and Benjamin Onu after a woman filed a complaint against them.
The victim had been manipulated by Osuagwu, whom she met on a dating site, into lending him her GCash account and SIM card. The suspects then used her accounts to conduct fraudulent activities. The victim later demanded the return of her accounts, leading to an extortion attempt where the suspects demanded P2,500 in exchange.
Investigators seized multiple GCash accounts, ATM cards, and cell phones from the suspects. All involved individuals are now facing charges, including violations of the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act and the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
