Anambra police nab kidnapping suspects, rescue victims

The Anambra State Police Command has successfully rescued two kidnapped young women and apprehended four suspects involved in the crime.

According to a press statement released by the state police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the operation was conducted by officers from the Oba Police Divisional Headquarters in Idemili South Local Government Area.

The statement revealed that the rescue mission unfolded after a ransom of N200,000 was paid to secure the victims’ release.

“Police operatives attached to the Oba Police Divisional Headquarters in Idemili South Local Government Area on November 27, 2024, by 11:54 AM, arrested one notorious kidnapper and three other accomplices after a ransom of two hundred thousand Naira was paid for the release of the victims in captivity,” the statement detailed.

The rescued victims were identified as two females between the ages of 15 and 19 years old.

An initial investigation suggests that the suspects, led by 19-year-old Ifechukwu Ibesimako from Aboji Village Oba, lured the victims through social media interactions, establishing friendships before holding them hostage. Their release was contingent upon a ransom payment from the victims’ families.

The apprehension of this group also sheds light on additional criminal activities in the area. It was discovered that another female victim had previously been kidnapped, forced to pay a ransom, and subsequently released months ago.

Following these developments, the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, issued a public warning. He urged young people to exercise caution when interacting with individuals online. Additionally, he directed the immediate transfer of the suspects to the Command’s anti-kidnapping/robbery squad for a thorough investigation.