The family of Emmanuel Ofobrukueta, a retired director abducted in Delta State, has urged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to step in and ensure his safe return.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the family’s solicitor and Principal Partner of Forthright Chambers, Frank Tietie, disclosed that his law firm had submitted a petition to the IGP, calling for urgent intervention.
Tietie explained that Ofobrukueta, who retired from the Post-Primary Education Board (PPEB) in Asaba six years ago, was kidnapped on January 13 by armed men outside his home in Mosogar, near Sapele, Delta State.
The abduction happened on the same day he was set to travel to Asaba to finalize his pension payment.
He lamented that despite ongoing efforts by the Delta State Police Command, the victim has remained in captivity for over two months, leaving his family in anguish. In a bid to secure his release, the family hired a private tracking company shortly after the incident.
Tietie revealed that a ransom of N4,020,000 was handed over through intermediaries who volunteered to deliver it to the kidnappers.
However, even after the payment, Ofobrukueta has not been freed, and there has been no further communication from his captors.
He also noted that some family members suspect foul play, raising concerns that certain close associates of the victim, including those involved in delivering the ransom, may have colluded with the kidnappers.
Despite the family’s growing frustration, Tietie expressed confidence in the Nigeria Police Force’s ability to resolve the matter.
He urged the IGP to take a personal interest in the case, emphasizing that the police have the necessary resources and expertise to track down the abductors and secure the victim’s release.
“The IGP must ensure that Ofobrukueta is located and reunited with his family as part of the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens,” he said.
Tietie also called on the Delta State Government to get involved in the case and support efforts to rescue the victim.
He urged law enforcement agencies and other relevant authorities to intensify efforts in securing the release of all individuals still held in captivity by kidnappers.