July 18, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
Authorities in the Philippines apprehended five Nigerian nationals in connection with the alleged abduction of a fellow Nigerian citizen.
The arrests took place in Angeles City, located in the province of Pampanga, on Thursday.
The individuals arrested—Evans Enwwereaku Chinemerem, David Chidera Ibegbulamo, Nwokeke Christian Ihechukwu, Nwokeke Cajothan Chinemmerem, and Okonkwo Emmanuel Kosiso—all reside in Angeles City.
They now face charges related to kidnapping for ransom and breaches of Republic Act 10591, which governs firearms and ammunition regulations in the Philippines.
Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, director of Central Luzon Police, stated that the suspects were taken into custody during a raid conducted by the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group,配合 with local police from Mabalacat City and Angeles City.
The operation targeted the suspects’ hideout in Barangay Malabanias at approximately 5 a.m.
Maranan noted that the raid was prompted by intelligence from the Anti-Kidnapping Group indicating the suspects had kidnapped Kingsley Chukwuemeka Ikeagwuana, a Nigerian student living at Urban Resort Residences in Paranaque City, and were holding him for ransom.
“Hopefully, this will serve as a warning to those who want to commit crimes and to thieves,” Maranan said. Police confiscated three firearms from the suspects: two .45 caliber pistols and a .38 caliber revolver, all with ammunition.
