By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Five suspected members of a kidnapping gang have been arrested by the Anambra State Police Command over the abduction and murder of one Chinedu Echezona, months after allegedly collecting a ₦5 million ransom from his family.
The police also recovered the victim’s remains, his black Honda CR-V Jeep with registration number YAB 220 DM, and the ₦5 million ransom allegedly collected by the suspects.
The five suspects, identified as Chidozie Francis, 24; Kosisọchukwu Eziani, 28; Akachukwu Maduabuchi, 22; Chibuzor Onurah, 29; and Echezona Ude, 22, were arrested on November 12, 2026, at Omoba Phase II, Nkpor, Onitsha, following sustained intelligence-led investigations by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu.
Confirming this in a statement issued to newsmen on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, said the victim was reported kidnapped in the early hours of January 29, 2026 by members of the armed gang, who initially demanded a ransom of ₦20 million.
SP Ikenga said the initial investigations, which extended to a neighbouring state, did not yield the desired breakthrough, as efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the abduction and locate the victim were unsuccessful at the time.
He, however, said during interrogation following their arrest, the suspects allegedly confessed to their involvement in the crime, disclosing that they abducted Echezona on January 29 and subsequently collected ₦5 million as ransom.
The police spokesman said the suspects further admitted that the victim was killed after the ransom was collected, while also revealing that two firearms were used in carrying out the operation. He said the suspects also led police operatives to the location where Echezona’s remains had been concealed.
“In a significant development, at about noon on 14th November 2026, operatives, acting on information obtained from the suspects, led them to a location where the victim’s remains had been concealed. The remains were successfully recovered and deposited in a mortuary for preservation and necessary forensic examination,” the statement partly reads, adding that the police also recovered the victim’s Honda CR-V Jeep and the ₦5 million ransom allegedly collected by the suspects.
According to the statement, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has consequently directed the operatives to intensify efforts towards recovering the two firearms allegedly used in the crime and establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The CP reportedly commended the operatives for their persistence, professionalism and commitment, particularly for ensuring that the investigation was not abandoned despite the considerable period that had elapsed since the victim’s abduction.
He also reiterated the Command’s determination to pursue criminal elements, dismantle criminal networks and ensure that those responsible for violent crimes are brought to justice.
The police chief further assured residents that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence-driven policing strategies to protect lives and property across the state.
