Eight Nigerians Arrested in Philippines for Kidnapping and Fraud

Philippine authorities have arrested eight Nigerian nationals involved in separate criminal activities, including kidnapping and fraud.

The arrests took place in Angeles City and Las Piñas City, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat transnational crime.

In Angeles City, five Nigerians Evans Chinemerem, David Ibegbulamo, Nwokeke Ihechukwu, Nwokeke Chinemmerem, and Okonkwo Kosiso were apprehended for allegedly kidnapping a fellow Nigerian, Kingsley Ikeagwuana.

According to local media reports from PhilStar, these individuals were detained last Thursday and are facing charges of kidnapping for ransom. Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, Central Luzon Police director, stated, “Hopefully, this will serve as a warning to those who want to commit crimes and to thieves.”

During the arrest, law enforcement recovered three firearms, including two .45 caliber pistols and a .38 caliber revolver.

Meanwhile, in Las Piñas City, three other Nigerians—Ugochukwu Osuagwu, Chinonso Omeje, and Benjamin Onu—were arrested for extortion and involvement in scams.

These arrests followed a complaint by a woman who had been duped into allowing her accounts to be used for fraudulent activities.

The suspects were charged under the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act and the Cybercrime Prevention Act. The National Bureau of Investigation Director Jaime Santiago noted that the suspects were caught after accepting marked money during a sting operation.