By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command said it has arrested two suspects in connection with a staged kidnap incident, recovering over ₦1.2 million ransom in the process.
This was disclosed in a press statement issued on Saturday, August 30, 2025, by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who noted that the operation was carried out by the operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu.
According to him, the suspects, identified as Nmesoma Josephine Nwoye, a 23-year-old female, and Chibuike Ogbu, a 24-year-old male, were apprehended after intelligence-led investigations revealed that Nmesoma, who posed as the victim, had conspired with her boyfriend, Chibuike, to orchestrate her own abduction.
SP Ikenga explained that the suspects initially demanded ₦15 million as ransom, but after negotiations, the girl’s family transferred ₦3 million into her account. He said that out of this sum, ₦1.2 million was recovered by the operatives as part of the breakthrough.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc, MNIPS, PhD, decried the act, describing it as a clear reflection of the moral decay pervading society.
According to him, the fact that young people now resort to staging fake kidnaps for selfish financial gains shows how much the societal values are eroding. He also called on parents, guardians, and religious leaders to redouble their efforts in instilling discipline, integrity, and sound morals in their children and wards.
He also warned youths against engaging in criminal activities or self-destructive ventures, stressing that “the long arm of the law will always catch up with criminals, no matter how cleverly disguised their schemes may appear.”
The Police Command further reassured Ndi Anambra of its sustained commitment to tackling crime and urged the public to continue to provide timely information that could aid security operations across the state.
