CRIME
Tracking Technology Crucial In Arrest Of Suspects In Anambra LP Candidate’s Kidnapping, DSS Tells Court
By Chuks Eke
Nnewi, Anambra State – A Department of State Services (DSS) official testified on Friday that the use of tracking technology played a critical role in the arrest of two suspects charged with kidnapping Obiora Agbasimalo, the Labour Party’s (LP) governorship candidate in the 2021 Anambra State election.
H.A Nwagwu, a Principal Security Intelligent Officer with the DSS and the seventh prosecution witness (PW7), testified before Justice C.N Mbonu-Nwenyi of the Anambra State High Court in Nnewi.
Nwagwu claimed that without the tracking technology, the accused, Chukwudi Odumegwu (the victim’s driver) and Maxwell Nwokolo (a member of Agbasimalo’s campaign organisation), would not have been apprehended.
Agbasimalo was kidnapped on September 18, 2021, in Lilu, Ihiala Local Government Area, while attending a political event.
His whereabouts are unknown. Odumegwu and Nwokolo face conspiracy and kidnapping charges under Anambra State Criminal Code sections 495(1) and 315(2)(a)(b)(c).
The prosecution claims they demanded a N7 million ransom but failed to release Agbasimalo despite receiving the funds.
Nwagwu discussed the DSS investigation, which began in April 2022. Interviews with Agbasimalo’s wife, Eucharia, his brother Godwin (“Oga Ndi Oga”), and his running mate were held.
Nwokolo’s confession, combined with technological tracking, led to his arrest in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State. This resulted in Odumegwu’s arrest.
The DSS officer revealed that an examination of Odumegwu’s phone revealed his presence near the crime scene several times before the kidnapping, implying prior involvement.
Tracking data from both Odumegwu’s and Agbasimalo’s phones indicated that they were in the Orlu axis of Imo State around the time of the abduction.
Following a thorough cross-examination by defence counsel Francis Effiok and Ikenna Obidiegwu, the court adjourned the case until February 21, 2025, for a further hearing.
The lengthy adjournment has raised concerns, given the length of time the case has already taken and Mr Agbasimalo’s continued absence.
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