Major General Richard not Kidnapped, Imo Police Command Denies Confessional Statements

The Imo State Police Command has distanced itself from the confessional statements made by three suspects arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping and killing of Retired Major General Richard Duru.

Major General Duru was kidnapped on September 27, 2023, along Bishops Court, Area 7 Orji/Uratta Owerri.

His black Mercedes Benz G.L. 450 car, with registration number LND 826 NG, was also taken by a suspected kidnapping syndicate.

In a release signed by the Command’s spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, the police faulted the claims by the suspects, asserting that the Army chief is still alive and that efforts are ongoing to rescue him and apprehend his abductors.

The release stated, “Sequel to the Command’s press briefing of May 16, 2024, on the progress made in the reported case of kidnapping of Retired Major General Richard Duru, where the three arrested suspects made confessional statements during interrogation, identifying themselves as members of the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network (ESN), and claimed to be part of the syndicate that kidnapped and allegedly murdered the Retired General, the Command is yet to confirm these allegations strongly.

“However, the high-powered investigation team, inaugurated by the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, psc (+), on the day the incident was reported, is still investigating and has made tremendous progress based on the confessional statements of the three suspects and through technical intelligence.

“Meanwhile, the Command is using this medium to call on Imolites and the general public, especially the family of the victim, not to lose faith and to disregard the confessional statements made by the three suspects during the press briefing, as the investigation is ongoing, and all the Security Agencies are working in synergy to rescue the kidnap victim unhurt, arrest the perpetrators, unravel their identity, and make them face the full wrath of the law.

Adequate security measures have been emplaced in the State to forestall future occurrences.

“Finally, the Command is calling on the general public to assist the police with credible information and to report any clandestine activities or suspicious persons seen within their community to the nearest police station or any security agency, or call the Command’s control emergency numbers 08034773600 or 08098880197.”

The police assured the public of their commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety and security of the community.