Accused Abuja Criminal Denies Kidnapping Allegations During Police Parade
Chinaza Philip-Okoye, a suspected notorious criminal in Abuja, vehemently denies accusations of being involved in kidnapping during a recent parade of criminal suspects by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.
The accused criminal, previously paraded on a stretcher due to injuries sustained after a police shootout, asserts his identity as an armed robber specializing in vehicle theft.
Background: Philip-Okoye Paraded on Stretcher Following Police Shootout
Last Saturday, the Nigeria Police Force paraded Chinaza Philip-Okoye on a stretcher at the Force Intelligence Response Team base in Guzape, Abuja.
The suspect had suffered severe injuries after being shot by police officers during the interception of his gang at a fueling station on Thursday night.
In Suspect’s Words: A Vehicle Snatcher, Not a Kidnapper
In an interview with journalists, Chinaza firmly denies being a kidnapper, clarifying that his criminal activities focus on patrolling at night to snatch vehicles.
According to his account, the intention on the night of his arrest was to rob a man and take his car, but unforeseen actions by a gang leader, known as Yellow, led to the victim being placed in the back of the stolen car.
Narration of Events Leading to Arrest:
Chinaza recounts the incident, stating, “That night, our aim was to rob the man and take his car, but I was surprised that after we collected his car, Yellow, who is like our leader, asked the man to enter the back of the car.
I didn’t know why he did that, and I couldn’t argue with him, so we were driving to Kano before the police caught up with us in Kaduna where I was arrested.”
Police Source Confirms Operation: Victim Rescued Unhurt
According to a senior police source, the anti-kidnapping operatives were alerted to Segun Akinyemi’s abduction as the kidnappers drove through Rita Lori in Garki, Abuja.
The FCT Police Command coordinated with neighboring states’ police formations, leading to a chase into Kaduna State.
During the pursuit, Chinaza Philip-Okoye was shot and apprehended, resulting in the rescue of the victim and the recovery of the stolen vehicle.