A kidnap suspect, Mohammed Kwairi, has claimed that he joined a notorious kidnapping gang in order to raise money to enjoy the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations.
Kwairi, 23, and another suspect, Emmanuel Idi, 21, were arrested by the Niger State Police Command for terrorising residents of Sabon Mariga in Rafi LGA of the state.
According to the police, the suspects had ordered the residents of the area to pay N2.5 milllion to a bank account or risk being kidnapped.
The Kagara Police Division reportedly acted on a distress call from residents and swooped on the suspects.
“I was looking for money to buy things for the sallah; I never knew that police operatives will arrest me. My parents were so angry that they refused to visit me in the cell. Honestly, I have disappointed them and I pray that they would forgive me,” The Punch quoted one of the suspects, Kwairi as saying.
The command said that the suspects would be charged to court after conclusion of investigations.
The Federal Government declared Friday, June 15 and Monday, June 18 as public holidays to celebrate the Sallah festivities.