Kidnappers Release Ex-Federal and Delta Lawmaker After Paying Humongous Ransom

Joan Onyemaechi Mrakpor, former member of the Federal House of Representatives and Delta State House of Assembly has regained her freedom from kidnappers den on Friday August 9, Warri Sentinel has confirmed.

A source who confirmed the release of the former commissioner revealed that immediate past governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, and the Delta State government played huge roles in securing her release.

The reliable source further disclosed that a ransom was allegedly paid before her release but declined to mention the specific amount paid to her abductors before she was freed. 

“The family begged for a lesser amount of money and at the end of the day, a compromise was reached and ransom was paid and she was released,” the source stated.

 When contacted on Friday night on the release of Mrakpor, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed her release but declined to give further details.

The former DG, Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency was kidnapped on July, 30, 2024 by armed men at her church in Asaba around 4pm.

According to reports, the gunmen who ambushed Mrakpor popularly known as Ada Anioma, opened fire sporadically to scare the crowd before abducting her and escaping via a speedboat waiting at the River Niger.

The attack resulted in the deaths of a police orderly, driver and a POS operator, who was allegedly struck by a stray bullet. 

Mrakpor had previously resigned from her position to allow her younger brother to run for chairman of the Aniocha South Local Government Council.

Her resignation followed a series of protests against her, sparked by her brother’s interest in the chairmanship while she held a state cabinet position.