More facts have emerged on how suspected kidnappers of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, shared the N5million ransom paid for the elder statesman's freedom.
Chief Olu Falae
It will be recalled that five of the suspects identified as Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibrahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal were arrested by Police Special Intelligence Response Team (PSIRT) in Abuja and other locations.
According to The Nation, the charge sheet said Auta was arrested in Niger and Ibrahim in Ondo. Muhammed, Lawan and Tanu were picked up in Ekiti States.
The charge sheet reads thus: “Exhibits Recovered from the suspects included N823,990:00, 12 Sim cards, phone used for Chief Falae ransom negotiation and a Red Bajaj motorcycle with Registration Number KER 385 QA used for the kidnapping operation and carrying of Chief Olu Falae to their camp when he got tired of walking in the bush.”
Three of the suspects, before they were arraigned on Thursday at the Akure High Court, confessed their involvement in the abduction.
The trio, who spoke in Hausa language, but interpreted in English by a security operative, said they were given N100,000 each.
According to them, eight people took part in the operation.
The suspects said they don’t know the ring leader of the group, adding that somebody spoke with them on phone and gave them instructions on what to do.
Ibrahim said he lives in Akure, but declined to mention his occupation.
A top ranking police officer said Auta, who is one of the leaders of the gang, was caught with N823, 990 inside his car in Niger State.