Edo Police have arrested two men who attempted to abduct the manager of Zenith Bank, Mr Ralphael Ibodeme Ekpoma branch in Esan West local government.
The suspect, Felix Alika, 50, from Agbor, Delta State, the bank’s security staff for the past 19 years, was arrested following a tip-off.
Standard Gazette crime correspondent Festus Alenkhe gathered that the problem started over a promotion, leading to a high level of insubordination, which led Mr Ibodeme to take some “administrative decisions.”
According to the police, Alika hired one Akhere and his gang, including Basiru Suleiman, to abduct the bank manager.
Standard Gazette gathered that Akhere, who was initially on board with the plan, changed his mind a few days to the abduction and informed the police.
The police immediately arrested Alika and his cohorts.
Though Alika confirmed he had squabbles with Ibodeme, he denied he planned to kidnap him. However, his cohort claimed he was contacted to abduct the Bank manager.
However, the matter took a twist when Alika confessed that Ibodeme is also an armed robber responsible for attacks in some banks in Edo State.
The police believed his accusation is an attempt to divert attention, wondering why he didn’t inform the police before his arrest.
Edo state police public relations officer SP Bello Kontongs said, “The report from Anti kidnapping squad in our command said the security guard, Felix Alika lied against Mr Ralphael Ibodeme”.
He assured that the two suspects would be charged to court for attempted Kidnapping.
As of press time, the police authority in Edo has ordered an extensive investigation into the viral video of the fake alarm raised by Alika.