According to a report by Punch on Thurday, September 18 2025, Former member of the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Ngozi Ogbu, who represented Okigwe Constituency, has regained his freedom after several days in captivity.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Command, Henry Okoye, confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday. He disclosed that Ogbu was rescued on Wednesday night, while security agencies continue to pursue those behind the abduction.
Reports indicate that Hon. Ogbu was abducted after visiting the gang’s camp to negotiate peace so he could bury a deceased relative without harassment. Despite collecting money from him, the gang failed to honor their agreement, detained him, and moved him deeper into the forest.
The abductors, led by a notorious figure identified as Gentle the Yahoo and his deputy, Angel Make Up, had earlier released a video showing the lawmaker in their custody. In the footage, Ogbu was paraded and forced to plead with authorities to withdraw security operatives from Okigwe, particularly from the “White House” base, which the gang described as their target. The kidnappers, suspected to be members of IPOB/ESN, threatened to execute him within four days if their demand was ignored.
However, in a swift commando-style operation, the Nigerian Army stormed the gang’s hideout in Aku, Okigwe. The raid resulted in the death of Gentle the Yahoo, Angel Make Up, and several other members of the criminal group. More than a dozen captives, including Hon. Ngozi Ogbu, were freed during the operation.
Authorities assured that security agencies remain committed to flushing out criminal elements from Imo State and restoring peace to the region.
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