The Anambra Police Command has arrested Chukwuma Obi, a 32-year-old man from Umuagu Village, Igboukwu, in Aguata Local Government Area of the state, in connection with an alleged case of attempted kidnapping and extortion.
According to the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement in Awka on Wednesday, the arrest was made on December 24, 2024, by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Squad in Enugu-Ukwu.
The suspect is accused of demanding a ransom of one million, two hundred thousand naira (#1,200,000) through threats of abduction. The victim reported receiving a menacing message from an individual claiming to be a member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who threatened abduction unless the ransom was paid into a specified account.
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During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and is currently assisting the police in identifying and apprehending other members of the gang involved in these criminal activities.
This arrest follows a similar case late last month, in which the Command apprehended a couple specializing in sending threatening messages and extorting victims under the guise of planned abductions. The couple confessed to their crimes and admitted to destroying the SIM cards used in their illicit activities.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, reiterated the Command’s commitment to pursuing all cases to a conclusive end, ensuring suspects are apprehended and justice is served. He emphasized that such efforts are vital to preventing further criminal activities and ensuring the safety and security of residents.
The Anambra State Police Command continues to urge the public to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through its emergency lines.
