Odahiekwu Ogunde, Yenagoa
After over two weeks in kidnappers’ den, a former Bayelsa State permanent secretary, Ministry of Special Duties, Dr Eleweremi Samuel, has regained his freedom.
Samuel, who was abducted from his residence at Captain Ayeni Street, Yenagoa, the state capital, on July 22, 2020, was set free on Tuesday.
Although it could not be ascertained if ransom was paid before his release, a source said his being freed might not be unconnected with the arrest of the mastermind of the kidnap by the police.
The source, who craved anonymity, said after the arrest of the unnamed suspect, the suspects might have felt their lid would be blown open and quickly released the retired academic and permanent secretary.
Bayelsa State Police Command confirmed Samuel’s release by his abdutors as well as the arrest of the suspected mastermind of the kidnap.
Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Asinim Butswat, said in a statement on Tuesday that the ex-permanent secretary had reunited with his family.
He said the operatives of Operation Puff Adder had intensified efforts to arrest the fleeing members of the kidnap gang.
Butswat said, “Operatives of the Bayelsa State Police Command are on the trail of the kidnappers.
“A suspect believed to be behind the kidnap was arrested on August 2, 2020 and he is now under interrogation in police custody. It is believed that the arrest of this suspect put pressure on the hoodlums, forcing them to release the victim.
“The Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Mike Okoli, has debriefed the victim, who has volunteered useful information that will assist the police in the investigation.”