Asonna Rich, a well-known Nollywood film producer based in Asaba, Delta State, was shot dead by the Lagos State Police Command last week. Rich was allegedly part of a kidnapping gang that planned to kidnap wealthy individuals in Lagos.
According to SP Benhamin Hundeyin, spokesman for the Lagos State Command, police intelligence had gathered credible information about the kidnapping gang two weeks prior.
“Upon receipt of this intelligence, CP Fayoade directed the Command’s tactical teams to commence work on it. They followed up immediately closely, monitored dutifully and were able to determine that the gang was going to strike on Thursday at Ladipo area of Lagos State.”
The police laid an ambush for the gang, and a shootout ensued. “Nine of them were neutralized while two escaped with gunshot injuries. Four AK-47 rifles, four locally-made semi-automatic pistols, nine AK-47 magazines, three walkie-talkies, one POS machine were recovered,” Hundeyin said.
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Nollywood actor Stanley Nwoke Ontop expressed shock at Rich’s involvement in kidnapping, calling on the Actors Guild of Nigeria to conduct proper background checks on its members.
“Those of you that feel less of themselves, calm down, God’s time is the best. Look at this guy, this guy is a Nollywood producer. He is a very big Nollywood producer. Producer in the morning, Kidnapper in the night, Derico at night,” Ontop wrote on Instagram.
