Gladness Gideon
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man, Muanaenye Chekwube Victor, for allegedly orchestrating the kidnapping of his own friend and collecting a ransom worth N5.3 million in foreign currency alongside a criminal gang.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the arrest was made on the evening of June 26, 2025, by officers attached to the Uli Divisional Headquarters in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.
Preliminary investigations reveal that Victor lured his unsuspecting friend under the pretense of going to meet another acquaintance. Upon arrival, the victim was abducted by Victor’s gang, who then demanded and received a ransom in dollars, equivalent to N5.3 million, before releasing him.
“To avoid suspicion, Victor staged his own fake kidnapping and pretended to have been abducted alongside the victim,” Ikenga disclosed in the statement.
The suspect is currently in custody and cooperating with investigators, providing useful information aimed at identifying and apprehending other members of the kidnapping syndicate.
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“He will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of the investigation,” the police spokesperson affirmed, assuring the public of the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities and restoring public safety.
The arrest underscores growing concerns over the involvement of close acquaintances in organized crimes such as kidnapping for ransom, a disturbing trend that continues to challenge trust within communities.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to security agencies promptly.