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How I masterminded abduction of three bank managers, got N15m share of ransoms – Driver
Five suspected members of a notorious kidnapping gang allegedly responsible for the recent abduction of three managers of Zenith Bank PLC in Delta State have been arrested by operatives of the Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT).The arrested suspects, who gang was said to have received a ransom of more than N50 million in foreign currencies, include Owes Okpaka, Lawrence Kevwe Egagah, Victor Dominic, Usobotie Sylvester and Alex Okoun.
A source said they were arrested after operatives of the IRT got information about their activities from one of their victims, Daniel Imani, the manager of the Warri Urobo College Branch of Zenith Bank, who was abducted on his way home by members of the gang on October 5, 2020 and a ransom of N15 million was eventually paid for his release. The source further disclosed that after Imani was kidnapped and released, members of the gang went on to kidnap two other managers of the bank, identified simply as Mrs. Zowa, a manager of the Ogonu Warri branch, and one Mrs Isioma, the manager of the Effurun branch.
A total sum of N35 million was said to have been paid to the kidnappers as ransom in foreign currencies before the two victims were released. Operatives of the IRT who swung into action after Imani’s complaint were said to have discovered that the kidnapping of the bank managers was masterminded by Okpaka, an employee of the bank. Okpaka, a driver with the bank in Delta State, allegedly gave information about his senior colleagues, who he knew could afford huge sums as ransoms.
He was also alleged to have trailed his victims to their homes and gave out information about their movements to members of his gang. For his efforts, he got a total sum of N15 million as his share of the ransom.
Upon his arrest, however, he made confessions that aided the arrest of four other members of the gang, including an ex-militant who had taken part in several bank robberies and vandalisation of oil pipelines. In his confessional statement, Okpaka said: “I am a native of Ubogo community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State. I am a graduate of Oghara Polytechnic, Delta State.
“I was working at the Ogonu branch of Zenith Bank as a driver until I resigned from the job in January this year. I was arrested because I masterminded the kidnapping of three of colleagues. My gang members include Victor and Kevwe, but I do not know the names of the remaining ones. I was the person that brought the three kidnapping jobs involving Zenith Bank staffs.
“The first person we kidnapped was one Daniel. I was the person that monitored his movements and gave out his location to my gang members. Daniel is the Zenith Bank manager for the Urobo College Branch in Warri, and we kidnapped him sometime in October, 2020. I do not know the type of gun that was used for his kidnapping. He was kept in our custody for one week, but I do not know who negotiated the ransom. I also do not know how much was paid as ransom. But the ransom was paid in dollars and my own share was also given to me in dollars. When I converted it to naira, it was N2.5 million.
The second kidnapping was that of a woman called Mrs. Zowa, a staff of Zenith Bank at the Ogonu Branch, Warri. I was the one that gave out information about the woman to my gang members.
“I cannot remember the exact month that we kidnapped her, but it was Victor and I that planned the operation. Victor also brought two other boys for the job and we kidnapped the woman along PTI Junction, Warri. Victor was the one who negotiated the ransom I do not know the exact amount that was paid, but the money came in dollars. I also got the sum of N2.5 million as my own share.
“The woman was kept in our custody for one week before her ransom was paid. The third kidnapping that I carried out with my gang members was that of Mrs. Isioma, also a manager of Zenith Bank, Effurun Branch. I was also the one that arranged her kidnapping while Victor kept her in his house. But I was part of the ransom negotiation. We agreed on N20 million and I got N10 million as my share. I use my Toyota Corolla car to go and pick up the ransom. It was the last kidnapping I did before I was arrested.”
Narrating his role, Victor Dominic Ovo, a native of Oghara, Sapelle Local Government Area, Delta State, said: “I was arrested in my house at Oghara. I did not know why I was arrested until I got to the police station. The reason the police arrested me was my involvement in kidnapping. We are five in our gang. We used one pump action gun loaded with live cartridges and one AK47 riffle loaded with one magazine containing 10 -15 live ammunition. We also used a black Mercedes C-Class with glass and another Mercedes E-Class car. The cars belong to Kevwe and I.
“My kidnapping gang members include Owes, Kevwe, Chuks, Didi and Lucky. We have a member, Owes, who usually brought the jobs. I was involved in three different kidnapping cases between October 2020 and February 2021. The first operation was in October, 2020 when we kidnapped a man that Owes gave us information about. On our way back after kidnapping the man, Kevwe ordered us to come down from the vehicle so he could take the victim to his camp. But it was Kewve and I that negotiated for the ransom.
“We bought a small phone and used our victim’s SIM card on the new phone for the negotiations. After much negotiation, the victim’s family paid us the sum of N15 million in dollars. It was Kevwe and I that went to pick up the ransom. I got N1.6 mllion as my own share of the ransom. The second kidnapping job that Owes brought was a woman. After we kidnapped her, I took her to my house at Oghara and called her people for ransom negotiations. The sum of N15 million was agreed, to be paid in dollars.
But after we received the money in dollars, we discovered that it was actually N12 million that was paid “It was Owes and I that negotiated the ransom, and we were also the ones that collected the ransom. We used Owes’ Corolla car and I got N1.6 million. I use part of the ransoms I collected from kidnapping to pay debts. Apart from kidnapping, I have also been involved in armed robbery in Ondo and other Southwest states. It was Kevwe and one Monday, who is now late, that usually organised the robbery operations.
“We usually arm ourselves with guns and cutlasses, and our targets are motorists. I have gone for several robbery operations, and at the time I was arrested, some live ammunition was recovered in my house. I am also into cyber crime. I am aware that kidnapping is a serious offence.”
On his part, Lawrence Kevwe Egagah, a native of Ekrami community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, said he was shot in the leg when he tried to escape when the police came for him. Egagah said: “I was arrested on March, 11, 2021in my house at Agbaro area of Delta State. When the policemen came, they introduced themselves as police officers. I got shot when I tried to escape and I was taken to the hospital.
“I knew why the police came looking for me. I took part in the bank managers’ kidnapping, and my friend, Owes, who I have known in the last 10 years as a bank driver, brought the jobs. He was the person that sold the idea to me. He said his bosses could pay us up to N10 million if we kidnapped them. We called one Victor a.k.a Papa and informed him about the plans. Victor accepted and brought two of his friends, making us five in number.
“We used my E-class Mercedes Benz car and Victor’s red coloured Jetta car for the operations. I later called one of my friends known as Sylvester and requested for his rifles. Sylvester directed me to one Emmanuel who gave me one AK47 rifle and a pump action gun, which we used for the operations.
“After I brought the guns, Victor took them into my Mercedes Benz, with the two boys that he brought. After a while, Victor brought our target, Mr. Daniel, into my vehicle blind folded and I took our victim to my house at Agbaro area, where I kept him at the passage for four days It was Victor and I that called for the ransom. We bought a small phone and used Mr. Daniel’s SIM card to call for the ransom. We agreed that N15 million should be paid in dollars.
“After the ransom was paid, we returned our victim’s SIM card and discarded the phone. After we converted the money to naira, it was N11 million, from which I got N2.5 million as my own share. Apart from this kidnapping, I have not gone for any other kidnapping. But I have carried out robbery operations with Sylvester and Emmanuel where we robbed a man along Ughelli Road of the sum of N70,000.
“We used the AK47 rifle and the pump action gun for the robbery operation, and it was my Mercedes Benz that we used. I was the person that drove while Sylvester and Emmanuel came down with the guns and pointed the man and collected the money.
“I later traveled to Dubai. When I returned, I discovered that Emmanuel was dead. So I was in possession of the guns which I later gave to Ogbonna who requested for it to go for his sea piracy operation.”
But Usobotie Sylvester sang a different tune, saying that he did not take part in the kidnapping but only assisted the gang in procuring the rifles that was used for the operation and got the sum of N80,000 from a member of the gang.
He said: “The reason I was arrested is that one Kevwe who was arrested by the police said I was the person that provided the guns he and his gang members used. I am not the person that gave him the guns. I only directed him to one of my friends, Emmanuel, who owns the guns. I managed to know that Emmanuel has guns during an election in Ethiope East. I saw Emmanuel with the guns and the said Emmanuel is my friend. I have known him for up to three years now.
“Emmanuel has two AK47 rifles with five magazines loaded with live ammunition. Kevwe, Emmanuel and I have carried out armed robbery activities within Ughelli Road. It was Kevwe that called me sometime in August, 2020. He brought his Toyota Camry car that we used for the armed robbery operation. It was Emmanuel and I that came down with the AK47 rifle and pointed at the man and collected his money.
“Ater this armed robbery operation, Kevwe also called me that we should go for a kidnapping work, but I told him that I was not interested. After some time, I heard that Emmanuel had been killed in Asaba during a robbery operation he went for. I later called Kevwe to give me the guns so that I could sell it but Kevwe sent me N80,000 for the guns and told me that he would get back to me.
The Federal Government has announced 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for admission into universities and nursing schools across the country.
The decision was reached during the policy meeting on admissions organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) with stakeholders in the education sector.
According to the government, candidates seeking admission into universities and nursing institutions are expected to score at least 150 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to qualify for consideration.
The meeting also reviewed admission guidelines for polytechnics, colleges of education, and other tertiary institutions as part of efforts to maintain standards in the nation’s education system.
Stakeholders at the meeting urged institutions to ensure transparency and fairness in their admission processes while advising candidates to strictly adhere to admission requirements.
Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.
Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.
Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.
From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.
Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.
Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.
He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.
Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.
Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.
Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.
Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.
However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.
Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.
For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.
And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:
“He promised, and he delivered.”
Today, Friday 8 May 2026, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma (Onwa Umueri) laid his beloved sister, Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke to rest in a solemn but dignified ceremony.
A large number of family and friends gathered in Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area for her burial.
It was a solemn yet beautiful celebration of a life well lived, one marked by grace, resilience, and strong family values. The Funeral Mass was officiated by His Emience, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese.
In a heartfelt family tribute, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma shared that her sister “it is indeed well with your soul and has gone to rest with the Lord,” expressing profound grief over the irreplaceable loss of a beloved sibling who played a significant role in their family. He prayed for God to grant her His mercy and reward her with Beatic Vision. He opined that they as a family will continue from where she stopped. Our Hope in God and Believe in the resurrection of the dead and communion of the saints will spur them on as they continue to place all their hopes in God who made Heaven and Earth.
The Funeral and Burial Ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries including Her Excellency Senator Dr Iyom Uche Ekwunife, APC State Chairman, Most Distinguished Senator Emma Anosike, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa (Okeife Alor), YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate 2025 Governorship Election, His Excellency, Chief Uzu Okagbue, Former Nigeria Ambassador to Burundi, His Excellency, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba (Ozonkpu Ike Enuguwu-Ukwu N’Umunri, Dr Oby Orah, Executive Director FAAN, Prof Charles Esimone, Former Vice Chancellor Unizik, Chief Hon Raph Okeke, Barr CJ Chinwuba, Hon Chizo Obidigwe, Hon JC Okeke (Deputy Chairman ,APC Anambra State, chief Anthony Obiazie (Ichie Ide), Onwa Lento Aluminium.
Others are The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University and Members of the Governing Council, the Rector Anambra State Polytechnic,Dr Njideka Rita Chiekezie, Hon Obi Henry APC State secretary, Hon Ify Nwachukwu (Ada Onowu), Prof Jaja Nwanegbo, and several other respected leaders from the political, traditional, and religious communities.
Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke died after Major Brain Tumour Surgery in Germany, aged 44 years. May the soul of Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke rest in perfect peace, and may God grant the entire Chukwuma of Umueri and Okeke family of Ogboji, the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss.
*Videos and Photos Speak:*
*(C) Paschal Candle.*
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Gubernatorial candidate Mr John Nwosu and running mate of the African Democratic Congress ADC in Anambra state Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu have stated that despite the deoature of Mr Peter Obi, and Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,the party is still intact and would run it’s full course in the 2027 general election.
The duo however lamented that the deoature of Obi is indeed painful but was quick to add that the party must forge ahead .
He said as leaders, Obi and Kwankwaso and other key chieftains of the ADC who suddenly left to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) would have waited to resolve the problems the ADC is facing when it mattered most rather than taking a swift to another fold.
Chief Nwobu bared his mind and feelings of other stakeholders of the ADC while briefing newsmen shortly after the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting held on Friday in Awka the state capital.
He noted with nostalgia that the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi could have shown restraint and commitment in the ADC even in face of the party’s plethora of litigations pending before different courts than leaving it unceremoniously with others.
He vowed that despite the development, leaders and members of the State chapter of the ADC are resolute to take the full circle of the electoral battle ahead of next year’s general elections and would get to it to successfully.
Accorisng to him, the National leadership of the party was not given the opportunity to settle down even less than 24 hours before the supreme Court judgment on Thursday last week when news about the detection of those who left the party rented the air waves up till Friday and Saturday same week and finally on Sunday when the news was finally blown to the entire world.
Nwobu disclosed that the opposition ADC in the state at the moment parades about nine House of Representatives and six State House of Assembly aspirants who have bought nomination forms to contest the 2027 elections while more have indicated interest to join the epical race.
The ADC stalwart further maintained that all those who indicated interest to contest the various positions are greatly prepared to run the race with high morals.
“We feel pains that these people left the party (ADC); definitely it’s going to affect the gains of the party. There’s no point saying every other thing. That having been said I am telling you that those who remain in the party are resolute and prepared to run the course.
He said the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting reaffirm loyalty and support to the National leadership under David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary.
Nwobu who was flanked by Hon. Christian Okeke, Ven. Chris Orajekwe and Arch. Afam Moma, Samuel Ikefuna, and Reginald Akunekwe and Ben Chuks Nwosu said “the state leaders reaffirm loyalty and support of the ADC Anambra state to the National leadership headed by Senator David Mark and His Excellency Rauf Aregbesola.”
“The meeting resolved to commend the founding chairman of the ADC Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu for the exemplary show of representing the ADC platform as an umbrella body for the coalition and his selfless role In navigating the coalition to it’s fruition.”
“And we wish to affirm that the ADC’s best is from Anambra state and Anambra state will not be found wanting in the efforts of the party to achieve success during the 2027 general elections,” he said.
“For our brothers who has moved on tp other platform, we wish them well. I look forward to a day we will all join hands together to salvage this country,” Nwobu stated.
He explained further that no new leadership has been Inaugurated in Anambra,adding that that it’s unnecessary for somebody to say he or she has resigned as the party is still contending on issues of offices, conduct of Congresses at the Federal High court.
Chief Nwobu stated that the Inauguration of officials elected at Congresses across the states would be made on the 11th of this month.
By Chinedu Sabastine
The Enugu State Government, in partnership with the South Sahara Social Development Organisation (SSDO), has intensified efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation (DRM) as part of broader strategies to boost climate finance and promote responsive budgeting.
The initiative aligns with the administration’s climate policy framework, which emphasises sustainable development, a green economic transition, and improved fiscal planning.
This was disclosed during a two-day stakeholders’ dialogue on domestic resource mobilisation for climate-responsive budgeting held at Sylvia Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu and funded by ActionAid Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director of Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Nnamdi Arum, said the state has integrated climate considerations across its projects and programmes.
According to him, while Enugu continues to benefit from international funding support, deliberate steps are being taken to strengthen internally generated resources for climate initiatives.
“Climate change has been prioritised across ministries in Enugu State. Most projects are now designed with green considerations in mind,” Arum said.
He commended Governor Peter Mbah for appointing Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke as Special Adviser on Climate Change, noting that his leadership has helped translate climate policies into actionable programmes.
Arum added that the government is actively engaging diverse groups, including youths and persons with disabilities, to ensure inclusive climate policy development.
On funding gaps, he acknowledged that despite progress, external support remains crucial particularly in the agricultural sector to enhance food security and affordability.
In his remarks, Research Policy Officer with SSDO, Okechukwu Ajah, said the dialogue aimed to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation.
He noted that although Enugu has domesticated its climate policy and action plan, challenges such as weak inter-ministerial coordination and the absence of clear climate budget tagging persist.
“Many agencies still operate in silos, and there is no distinct climate imprint in budgeting across ministries. This affects ownership and effective implementation of climate policies,” Ajah said.
He expressed optimism that the engagement would yield practical, implementable recommendations, stressing the need to move from theory to action.
Ajah also highlighted the importance of youth inclusion in climate discussions, describing young people as critical stakeholders in shaping sustainable futures.
One of the participants, Chidera Ekoh, described the dialogue as insightful, noting that it provided practical knowledge on addressing climate challenges.
“Climate change is already impacting our economy. This programme has equipped us with the knowledge to prioritise challenges and mobilise resources effectively,” Ekoh said
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