Two suspects alleged to have attempted to kidnap the Manager of Zenith Bank, Ekpoma in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Mr Ralphael Ibodeme, have been arrested by men of the Edo State Police Command.
The suspects were arrested in Ekpoma following a tip off.One of the suspects, Felix Alika, who is a security staff of the bank was caught by the police in the web of lies as he raised unfounded allegation against the victim.
The police says, the allegation was to create an escape route for rhe suspects against prosecution. It was gathered that the Bank Manager, Ralphael lbodeme, and the security staff of the Bank, Felix Alika, have been having a running battle in the bank over promotion issue.
There has been high level of insubordination which made the said Mr lbodeme to take some administrative decisions. The quarrel was said to have allegedly prompted the said Alika to connect one Akhere who was to hire other heinous gang members to kidnap the victim. Basiru Suleiman was then allegedly contacted to join in the move to kidnap the said Mr Ibodeme.
Few days to the planned day of the kidnapping operation, the said Akhere changed his mind and reported the matter to the police in Ekpoma. This report prompted the police to arrest the security staff, Felix Alika, as his plan to kidnap a Bank manager was bursted.
Police findings revealed that for the suspect to reveal to the police his involvement in the plan to kidnap the bank manager, he raised false alarm that the bank boss is a criminal too.
Police findings revealed that instead of the said suspect Felix Alika who is the security guard to explain his role in the incident, he chose to embark on blackmail. He allegedly raised false allegatjon that the said Bank manager is an armed robber , accusing him of been behind the attacks in some banks in Edo State.
But the police viewed his allegation as a move to divert investigation as the police however wondered why he did not raise the allegation before now until his recent arrest for alleged attempt to kidnap the said Mr Ibodeme.
According to the security staff “Yes, l can confirm that Mr Ibodeme, the Bank Manager, and myself have been having quarrel for some time now.”
Edo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bello Kontongs said “the report from anti-kidnapping squad in our command said the security guard, Felix Alika, lied against Mr Ralphael Ibodeme.”
He assured that, the two suspects will be charged to court for attempted Kidnapping.
As at press time, the police authority in Edo has ordered extensive investigation into the viral video of the fake alarm raised by the said security man.
