LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) The initial images of the four men apprehended in connection with the abduction of Luis Diaz’s father have been unveiled.
The suspects, facing charges that include kidnap and theft, are set to appear in court later today in Riohacha, northern Colombia.
Yerdinson Bolivar Bolivar, also known as ‘Arenca‘ or ‘Areca,’ one of the suspects, worked as a trainer at Manuel Luis Diaz’s football school in Barrancas.
Colombian authorities allege he used this position to surveil the Liverpool star’s father, engaging in covert infiltration to monitor his movements.
Marlon Rafael Brito Bolivar, alias Marlon, and Brayan Javier Morales Sanjuan, alias Brayan or Negro, reportedly operated the motorbikes used in the abduction of Mr. Diaz and his wife.
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The fourth man, Andrys Alcides Bolivar Bolivar, described as the leader of the operation, organized the handover to the ELN insurgency group, implicated in the hostage-taking.
Reports suggest that Alcides’ gang, known as Los Primos (‘The Cousins’), specializes in drug trafficking and is considered a sub-division of the notorious Gulf Clan.
The arrest operation, named Operation Freedom, was initiated on the day of the kidnapping, leading to the identification and apprehension of the alleged perpetrators.
A police officer instrumental in capturing notorious drug lord Dairo Antonio Usaga (Otoniel) assisted in identifying the suspects.
Several weapons were seized during the operation, emphasizing the success of Operation Freedom in swiftly bringing the kidnappers to justice.