By Hyacinth Nwafor
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested four suspects over an alleged conspiracy and kidnapping in Yahe community, Yala Local Government Area, in a case that has sent shockwaves across the area.
According to a situation report from the Yala Divisional Police Headquarters dated February 7, 2026, the incident was brought to police attention at about 6:00 p.m. by the Officer-in-Charge of Yahe Police Post, Supol Umar Kabiru.
The report disclosed that in the early hours of February 6, 2026, around 4:00 a.m., members of the Yahe community vigilante group apprehended four suspects and brought them to the police station.
The suspects were identified as Adedeji Goodluck (21), Sylvester Akpa (20), Chinonso Nwibo Emmanuel (25), and Richard Innocent (22), all reportedly of no fixed address.
Preliminary police findings revealed that Chinonso Emmanuel and Adedeji Goodluck allegedly met online in August 2025 and maintained contact over time.
Police further alleged that on February 5, 2026, Chinonso Emmanuel lured Goodluck from Abuja to Yahe community after allegedly sending him transport fare.
Upon arrival in Yahe, the victim was reportedly taken to the residence of Sylvester Akpa, where Richard Innocent later joined them, and a meeting was allegedly held.
Investigators alleged that the suspects subsequently kidnapped Goodluck, held him captive, and contacted his parents in Abuja, demanding a ransom of ₦7 million.
The suspects were also accused of issuing threats to harm the victim if the ransom demand was not met, heightening tension within the community.
The alleged plot was foiled after a good Samaritan alerted the local vigilante group, leading to the swift arrest of the suspects and their handover to the police.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata
said the suspects had been taken into custody, the victim rescued unhurt and placed under protective care, adding that investigations were ongoing and further details would be made available as the case unfolds.