Photo: The late Ikechukwu Ebelebe.
Kidnappers kill Lagos businessman after collecting N10m ransom
Lagos-based millionaire businessman, Ikechukwu Ebelebe, who was abducted on April 17, while visiting his hometown, Akokwa, Ideato North LGA of Imo State, for Easter celebrations, has been found dead in a bush in Orumba South LGA, Anambra State.
Ebelebe’s abductors had initially demanded N100 million as ransom but after negotiations, they settled for N10 million, which was paid by his family.
In spite of the payment of the ransom, Ebelebe was still killed by the kidnappers.
It was gathered that his corpse was discovered by a passerby, who noticed a foul smell in the area following which the police were immediately alerted and the body was identified as Ebelebe’s.
Ebelebe’s remains have been deposited in a mortuary pending further investigations. The deceased was known for his philanthropic activities in the East.
The deceased businessman owned the “Divine -Iyke Foundation for Humanity,” which provided support to the elderly, less privileged, orphans, students under scholarships, and widows in the region.
The death of the businessman has sparked outrage and renewed calls for the government to address the issue of insecurity in the country.
A close friend of the deceased, Chukwuebuka Ifeanyichukwu, expressed shock and disbelief at Ebelebe’s death to newsmen.
“Ikechukwu was a good man, who dedicated his life to helping others. It’s heartbreaking to see him die in such a cruel way. I pray that justice will be served,” he said.
Kidnapping for ransom, which seemed to have ceased during the failed cashless policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria, has become a more pervasive crime in Nigeria.
The Police Command in Imo State had yet to officially react to the incident as of the time of filing this report.
