Nigerians Arrested in Philippines Over Kidnapping and Scamming Cases
Philippine authorities have apprehended five Nigerian nationals in Angeles City, Pampanga, for allegedly abducting a fellow Nigerian, Kingsley Ikeagwuana, and holding him for ransom.
The suspects—Evans Chinemerem, David Ibegbulamo, Nwokeke Ihechukwu, Nwokeke Chinemmerem, and Okonkwo Kosiso—were arrested during a police raid at their hideout in Barangay Malabanias. They face charges of kidnapping for ransom and violating Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Central Luzon Police Director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan stated that three firearms, including two .45-caliber pistols and a .38-caliber revolver, were seized during the operation. “This should serve as a warning to others who intend to commit crimes,” he added.
In a separate case, three other Nigerian nationals were arrested in September in Las Piñas City for alleged extortion and involvement in online scams. The suspects, identified as Ugochukwu Osuagwu, Chinonso Omeje, and Benjamin Onu, were caught by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after a victim reported their activities.
According to the NBI, the victim accused Osuagwu of using her GCash account as a money mule for fraudulent activities. She was later jailed due to charges filed by one of the scam victims. The suspects demanded P2,500 from her to return her accounts but were caught in a sting operation.
Authorities recovered marked money, cell phones linked to GCash accounts, and ATM cards from the suspects. Both incidents highlight ongoing efforts by Philippine law enforcement to crack down on criminal activities involving foreign nationals.
