The Enugu State Police said on Tuesday that it has arrested an 18-year-old, Obodoagu Ikediekpere Wisdom, for the alleged kidnapping and gruesome murder of his five-year-old male second cousin, Obodoagu Wisdom.

The Command said it also arrested his accomplice, Sunday Michael, a 24-year-old security guard at 9th Mile Corner, Enugu, and a native of Mayo-Belwa LGA of Adamawa State.

Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Daniel Ndukwe, said the suspects were apprehended on 11th and 12th August 2025 by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad, following intelligence gathered after ransom demands were reported.

“The child was first reported missing on 26th July 2025. Investigations revealed that the prime suspect used his accomplice to demand ₦1,000,000 ransom from the victim’s father, in an attempt to disguise his identity.

“When the ransom went unmet, the suspect murdered the child and buried him in a bush near their residence in Okinitor, Amankwo Ngwo, Udi LGA,” he said.

Ndukwe added that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime, adding that thereafter, the prime suspect led operatives to the scene, where the victim’s body was exhumed in the presence of medical personnel, including a doctor, who certified the child dead.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has commiserated with the bereaved family and assured that the suspects would be arraigned upon conclusion of investigations.

He reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to detecting heinous crimes and ensuring justice.