Five Nigerian nationals were arrested early Thursday morning in Angeles City, Pampanga, for allegedly kidnapping a fellow Nigerian in a ransom scheme, local authorities confirmed.
The suspects, identified as Evans Enwwereaku Chinemerem, David Chidera Ibegbulamo, Nwokeke Christian Ihechukwu, Nwokeke Cajothan Chinemmerem, and Okonkwo Emmanuel Kosiso, are all residents of Angeles City. They now face charges of kidnapping for ransom and violations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, also known as Republic Act 10591, according to *Philstar*.
Central Luzon Police Director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan stated that the arrests were made around 5 a.m. when operatives from the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group, alongside officers from the Mabalacat City and Angeles City police, raided the suspects’ hideout in Barangay Malabanias.
The operation followed a tip-off indicating that the suspects had allegedly abducted Kingsley Chukwuemeka Ikeagwuana, a Nigerian student residing in Parañaque City, holding him for ransom. Ikeagwuana reportedly lives at Urban Resort Residences in Parañaque.
Brig. Gen. Maranan expressed hope that this operation would serve as a deterrent to others considering criminal activities. During the raid, police confiscated three firearms—two .45 caliber pistols and a .38 caliber revolver—along with ammunition.
