The Anambra State Police Command, Wednesday, announced the arrest of a 32-year-old man, Chukwuma Obi, when officers foiled a kidnap attempt and arrested the suspect who allegedly demanded a ransom of N1.2 million through abduction threats.
The command’s spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, said the suspect, who hails from Umuagu Village in Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area of the state, was arrested “in connection with an alleged case of attempted kidnapping and extortion.”
“The Anambra State Police Command has arrested Chukwuma Obi, a 32-year-old male from Umuagu Village, Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area, in connection with an alleged case of attempted kidnapping and extortion,” the statement said.
“The suspect is accused of demanding a ransom of N1.2 million 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, threatening abduction unless the ransom was paid into a specified account.
“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 the criminal activities.”
Recall that the command, on November 29, 2024, confirmed that operatives had arrested a couple, Kingsley Okoye, 36, and Chidinma Okoye, 27, for allegedly sending threatening messages and attempting to kidnap unsuspecting individuals.
The couple, according to the statement, specialised in issuing abduction threats through text messages, demanding ransom with the ultimatum of abduction or murder.
Continuing in the statement, Ikenga informed that the state Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam, reiterated the command’s resolve to pursue all cases to their logic end and ensure that suspects are brought to account.
“The CP emphasised that such efforts are vital in preventing further criminal activities and ensuring the safety and security of residents,” Ikenga continued.
“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.”
