General News of Saturday, 20 April 2019

Source: starrfm.com.gh

Police rescue Lebanese Consular from Nigerian kidnappers

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The Ghana Police Service has rescued a Lebanese Consular General and Head of Mission of Estonia to Ghana who was allegedly kidnapped by some Nigerians today, Friday April 19.

Mr. Nabil Makram Basbous, 61, was on a walk in his neighborhood at Labone in Accra when he was kidnapped by the suspects, known to be Nigerians.

A police situational report said the rescue operation took place at the Lashibi residence of the suspects after a tip off.

“The Charlie SWAT Unit of the Accra Regional Police Command picked up intelligence that some Nigerians residing in H/N/11/B, NTHC Estates, Vivian Farms, Lashibi, were suspicious characters who stay home all day but go out only at night. Today 18/04/19 at 0800 hours, Police followed up on the intelligence and located the house. Attempts by police to enter the house was met with resistance from the occupants. In the process all 3 occupants scaled over a fence wall at the back and escaped. Whiles police were still at the scene, victim Hon Nabil Makram Basbous, 61years, a Lebanese / Consular General and Head of Mission of Estonia to Ghana came out from one of the rooms in the house. He narrated to police that he lives at Labone near Wangara. That today 18/04/19 at about 0700hours, he went out for a walk within his neighbourhood,” the report said.

It added: “That about 10 minutes into the walk, a white Hyundai Elantra private car pulled up in front of him. One of the occupants came out, pulled a pistol on him and ordered him to enter the car or risk being shot if he resists. He obliged, entered and was driven away with the kidnappers pointing a pistol and an axe at him. He could not see his way till they got to the location and was detained in the room and held hostage for payment of ransome. Police found the car used in the kidnapping parked in the compound. A search in the car found a Retay brand Pistol loaded with 5 rounds of 7.65mm ammunition and 2 axes. Hyundai Elantra No. GE 8922 – 17, a Honda motor bike No. M-19-GR 507, 1 pistol, 5 rounds ammunition and 2 axes retained as exhibits. Suspects at large”.