Four people accused of abducting a locksmith and demanding a $5m ransom, had their case transferred to the Gun Court today, when it was mentioned yesterday in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court.

The accused are Nickesha Whyte, Aldane Jackson, Trevorlyn Rowe and Andrew Dillon, otherwise called Dane Walters. All four are charged with conspiracy to kidnap, but Jackson is charged additionally with kidnapping, while Dillon is charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition and extortion. Rowe is additionally charged with illegal possession of a weapon and extortion.

brandishing a gun

Allegations are that on January 13, the complainant, who operates a locksmith business, was approached by a male and a female who told him that they needed his services to open a car door. While walking to the car, another male, this one brandishing a gun, joined them and the complainant was ordered into a car.

It is alleged that the four blindfolded the accused and taped his mouth shut and then took him to a location where he was kept for about five days. During this time, the kidnappers, the court was told, contacted the complainant's family and requested $5m for his release. That figure was, however, later decreased to $500,000 which the family agreed to pay.

A sting operation was set up and $200,000 in marked currency was reportedly paid over to one of the kidnappers. He was subsequently arrested and charged. Further investigations led to the arrest of the others.