The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man, Muanaenye Chekwube Victor, for allegedly masterminding the abduction of his close friend and collecting a ransom of ₦5.3 million in dollars.
The suspect, according to the police, connived with members of a kidnap syndicate to lure the unsuspecting victim into captivity before demanding and receiving the ransom in foreign currency.
Police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the arrest in a statement on Saturday, said Victor was apprehended on June 26 by operatives attached to the Uli Divisional Headquarters following a discreet investigation into the case.
Ikenga disclosed that the suspect, during interrogation, confessed to plotting the abduction and misleading his friend into following him under the guise of visiting another acquaintance.
“The suspect confessed to having planned the kidnapping by luring his friend to escort him to see another friend. He and his gang thereafter abducted the victim and went ahead to collect a ransom equivalent to ₦5.3 million in dollars before the victim was released,” the statement read.
The police further revealed that, in a ploy to deflect suspicion, Victor pretended to be a fellow victim of the kidnapping. However, his deception was uncovered during police investigations.
“The suspect is currently in custody and is assisting the Command with credible information to help track down his fleeing accomplices. He will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” Ikenga added.
The Anambra State Police Command reiterated its commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the state and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
This incident adds to growing concerns over rising cases of youth involvement in organised crime, particularly in the southeastern region.
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