Operatives of Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested three additional suspects allegedly linked to the abduction of Samuel Avengbe Okunsebor, Dean of Agriculture at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK).
Gatekeepers News reports that the latest arrests were carried out on Friday night after security operatives reportedly tracked the suspects to a local brothel along the Mararraban Akunza axis of the Lafia-Makurdi highway in Nasarawa State.
The suspects are believed to be members of the kidnapping gang responsible for the abduction of Okunsebor, who was taken hostage in July.
The DSS had earlier rescued the professor after tracking the kidnappers to a location in Nasarawa State. Two suspects, Rabi Usman and Mohammed Sani Umar, were arrested during the operation.
With the latest arrests, the number of suspects taken into custody in connection with the professor’s abduction has risen to five, according to reports.
The three suspects arrested in the latest operation were reportedly identified as 25-year-old Yakubu Abubakar, also known as Black or Starboy, as well as two other suspects. Security operatives are continuing investigations to establish their respective roles in the kidnapping operation.
The development represents a continuation of efforts by security agencies to dismantle the criminal network behind the abduction and bring other members of the gang to justice.
Okunsebor’s abduction had raised concerns over the safety of academics and residents in parts of Nasarawa State. His rescue by the DSS and the subsequent arrests have provided investigators with additional leads in their efforts to identify other individuals connected to the kidnapping syndicate.
The DSS has not indicated that the investigation has been concluded, suggesting that further arrests could follow as security operatives continue to trace other suspects allegedly involved in the operation.
