Evans Chinemerem, Nwokeke Ihechukwu, others arrested in Philippines for kidnapping, fraud
Five Nigerian nationals were arrested in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippine on Thursday, November 14, in connection with the kidnapping of a fellow Nigerian, Kingsley Ikeagwuana.
The suspects identified as Evans Chinemerem, David Ibegbulamo, Nwokeke Ihechukwu, Nwokeke Chinemerem, and Okonkwo Kosiso are facing charges of kidnapping for ransom and violations of Republic Act 10591, which regulates firearms and ammunition in the Philippines.
Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, Director of the Central Luzon Police stated that, the arrests occurred after a joint operation by the Philippine National Police’s Anti-Kidnapping Group, along with local police from Mabalacat City and Angeles City.
The authorities raided a hideout in Barangay Malabanias, where the suspects were found.
The suspects are accused of abducting Ikeagwuana, a student living at the Urban Resort Residences in Paranaque City, and demanding a ransom for his release.
“Hopefully, this will serve as a warning to those who want to commit crimes and to thieves,” Maranan said.
Three firearms, two .45 caliber pistols and a .38 caliber revolver, along with ammunition—were seized from the suspects, who are currently in police custody.
In a separate case, three Nigerian nationals were arrested in Las Piñas City in September 2024 for extortion and involvement in various scams.
The arrests were carried out by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after a woman filed a complaint against the suspects.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago identified the arrested individuals as Ugochukwu Osuagwu, Chinonso Omeje, and Benjamin Onu.
They face charges of extortion and violations of Republic Act 12010, known as the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act, as well as Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
The victim stated that, she met Osuagwu on a dating site and briefly dated him in August 2022. Osuagwu convinced her to lend him her GCash account and SIM card, claiming he needed them to transfer money for university tuition.
Unbeknownst to her, Osuagwu and his accomplices used her accounts as conduits for the proceeds of their scams.
The victim later found herself arrested after one of the people the suspects had scammed filed charges against her.
She demanded the return of her accounts, but the suspects extorted P2,500 in exchange.
The group was apprehended after they accepted marked money, and investigators recovered cell phones, GCash accounts, and ATM cards from the suspects.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va74ZvU2v1IqKByXoX3d
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
