Four suspected kidnappers have been apprehended by the police in Anambra State, following their involvement in abduction and ransom collection.
The arrests were made by officers from the Oba Police Divisional Headquarters, Idemili South Local Government Area, on Wednesday. This was confirmed in a statement issued by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
According to the statement, the suspects had already extorted a ransom of ₦2 million for the release of their victims.
“The operatives also rescued two female victims, aged between 15 and 19, in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area,” Ikenga revealed.
Preliminary investigations showed that one of the suspects, 19-year-old Ifechukwu Ibesimako of Aboji Village, Oba, along with three accomplices, used social media platforms to lure their victims under the guise of forming friendships. The victims were then held hostage until their families paid the demanded ransom for their release.
The police added that the arrests shed light on the gang’s broader criminal activities in the region. Investigations also uncovered another case involving a female victim who had paid ransom and was freed months earlier.
SP Ikenga assured that further efforts were underway to ensure justice and prevent similar crimes in the state.
