The Police say they have rescued a 40-year-old Philippino woman, Irene Panas, in Enugu six months after she arrived Nigeria in search of love.
According to a statement on Monday by the Force, Panas was rescued at Neke-Uno Village, Enugu East LGA, Enugu State.
The statement said Panas, an accountant by profession and a native of Manila in the Philippines, arrived Nigeria on November 22, 2019 on a visit to one Chukwudi Odo, 54, of Enugu Ezike in Igbo-Eze North LGA of Enugu State whom she met on Facebook on March 8, 2017.
“The visit which was originally intended to be for 10-days however turned out to be a full case of abduction following Chukwudi Odo’s refusal to allow her return to her country against her will. She was held incommunicado by the suspect, Chukwudi Odo.
“The victim who was critically ill at the time of rescue was successfully rescued by police operatives attached to the Unity Police Division, Ibegwa Nike, Enugu State led by the DPO, SP Siga Malgwi, following a tip-off from some members of the public in the area.
“She was immediately taken to the hospital for medical attention where she was admitted from 5th June to 16th June.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspect, Chukwudi Odo deliberately lured the victim into the country with the aim of confining her, sexually abusing, and extorting money from her,” the statement read.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, according to the statement, advised on a more cautious use of the social media by members of the public.
“Meanwhile, the Force is already in contact with the Embassy of the Philippines in Nigeria so as to reunite the victim with members of her family,” the statement said.
