The Rivers State Civil Society Organisations (RIVCSO) have called on the Inspector General of Police and the Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service to urgently identify and arrest a suspected kidnap mastermind allegedly operating from the Enugu Correctional Centre.
Speaking on the matter, in Port Harcourt, Enefaa Georgewill, Chairman of RIVCSO, expressed outrage over the alleged use of correctional facilities as operational bases for criminal activities.
Georgewill cited the case of Oluwaseyi, a victim of abduction, whose suspected kidnapper has reportedly been traced to the Enugu Correctional Centre. He lamented that efforts by police operatives to apprehend the suspect were allegedly resisted by officials of the correctional service.
“The story of Oluwaseyi is one story too many. It highlights the disturbing complicity of security agents, particularly the police and prison wardens, in the continuous wave of kidnappings in Rivers State and across Nigeria,” Georgewill said.
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He described the situation as barbaric and shameful, noting that despite identifying the primary suspect, eight months after the incident, justice remains elusive.
“We are calling on the Controller-General of Corrections to instruct officers at the Enugu prison to hand over the suspected criminal. Likewise, we urge the Inspector General of Police to ensure all those involved are apprehended, including the young girl caught on CCTV luring the victim out of her home,” he added.
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RIVCSO further urged the police to locate and question the friend of the victim, who was seen on CCTV escorting Oluwaseyi to meet her abductors.
According to Georgewill, the girl and her family have reportedly fled their residence, and police claim they are unaware of their whereabouts.
He also demanded the arrest of the alleged kidnapper’s wife, whose phone number has reportedly been linked to the incident.
“We will not hesitate to escalate this matter to ensure justice is served.”
