Chief Asuquo Ekpenyong Ekpe, the brother of the immediate past Director General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Ita Ekpenyong, has been released by his abductors, who kidnapped him about three weeks ago.
Ekpenyong-Ekpe was kidnapped on September 5, 2015 by gunmen in his Creek Town home in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Our correspondent gathered from a reliable source on Monday that Ekpenyong-Ekpe was released almost a week ago but security agencies had kept the news of his freedom away from members of the public.
“Chief Asuquo Ekpenyong Ekpe did not just gain his freedom today, he was freed almost a week ago but the security agencies decided to keep it secret so as to carry out thorough investigation on the matter and the investigation is still ongoing,” the source added.
It was also learnt that some politicians in Odukpani LGA had been arrested and grilled in connection with the kidnap.
Family sources had, last week, said the abductors had demanded N150m, but the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Hogan Bassey, could not confirm or deny if any ransom was paid.
Bassey, however, confirmed that the man had been released, adding that some arrests had been made in connection with the abduction.
The PPRO stated, “He has regained his freedom. I would not tell if some persons have been arrested in connection with the kidnap, but very soon, we will address the press on the breakthrough made.
“The police in collaboration with other security agencies have made considerable breakthrough with some arrests. We have made commendable success and shall speak on it very soon.”
It was gathered that a former two-term councillor (name withheld) of Creek Town 1 Ward, Odukpani LGA, was also arrested in connection to the kidnap.
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