Philippine authorities have arrested five Nigerians in Angeles City, Pampanga, on allegations of kidnapping fellow Nigerian, Kingsley Ikeagwuana.
The suspects, identified as Evans Chinemerem, David Ibegbulamo, Nwokeke Ihechukwu, Nwokeke Chinemmerem, and Okonkwo Kosiso, were apprehended last Thursday.
The suspects face charges of kidnapping for ransom and violations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (Republic Act 10591).
According to Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, Central Luzon Police Director, the arrests followed a raid conducted by the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group, alongside local police from Mabalacat City and Angeles City.
Ikeagwuana, reportedly a student residing in Parañaque City, was allegedly abducted and held for ransom at the suspects’ hideout in Barangay Malabanias.
During the operation, law enforcement recovered three firearms, including two .45-caliber pistols and a .38-caliber revolver, along with ammunition. The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.
Brig. Gen. Maranan expressed his hope that this incident serves as a deterrent to potential criminals, stating, “Hopefully, this will serve as a warning to those who want to commit crimes and to thieves.”
In a separate incident in September, three Nigerian nationals were arrested in Las Piñas City for alleged extortion and involvement in scams.
The suspects, identified as Ugochukwu Osuagwu, Chinonso Omeje, and Benjamin Onu, were apprehended by the National Bureau of Investigation after a woman filed a complaint against them.
The complainant alleged that Osuagwu, whom she briefly dated in 2022, used her GCash account and SIM card under the pretense of transferring university tuition fees.
The suspects allegedly used the accounts for fraudulent activities, leading to the complainant’s brief imprisonment after one of the scam victims filed charges against her.
The suspects in both cases are being investigated for violations of various laws, including the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act and the Cybercrime Prevention Act. Authorities seized cell phones, ATM cards, and other evidence during the arrests.
These arrests underscore growing concerns about the involvement of foreign nationals in criminal activities in the Philippines.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on such crimes and ensuring justice for victims.
