The arrest took place on July 17, 2024, when Gabriel attempted to withdraw money sent to him by one of his victims at a Point-of-Sale (PoS) operator’s shop in the community. This information was shared by a police officer familiar with the case.

The incident came to light when a resident, identified as Helen Orube, reported to the Ogbere Police Division that she had received a threatening call from a person who identified himself as Promise. The caller informed Orube that someone had paid him to abduct and kill her unless she transferred a specified amount of money to a particular account.

According to the officer, Orube received the call on July 13, 2024. Promise told her that she could only avoid being kidnapped and killed if she paid more than the person who hired him. Frightened, Orube complied and sent the money to the provided account number.

Immediately after the call, Orube reported the incident to the Ogbere Police Division. The officers advised her to pretend to comply with the suspect’s demands while they set up a trap. Gabriel was apprehended while attempting to withdraw the extorted money.

Command spokesperson Odutola Omolola confirmed the arrest, explaining that detectives had strategically positioned themselves at key locations where the suspect was expected to collect the money. Gabriel was arrested as soon as he arrived at the PoS shop.

During interrogation, Gabriel claimed that another suspect named Jide had sent him to withdraw the money. Jide fled upon realizing Gabriel had been caught. The police are currently working to apprehend him.

Further investigations revealed that Gabriel had extorted significant sums from other residents, claiming he was protecting them from kidnappers. The suspect will be transferred to the state criminal investigation department for further investigation.