N5m ransom : Police arrest 4 for kidnapping, armed robbery

…….recover arms in Anambra

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

A four-man kidnapping/armed robbery gang that earlier kidnapped two men and allegedly collected N5 million ransom before releasing them, have been arrested by police in Anambra State.

The Nations News reports that two pump action guns, and nine live  cartridges were recovered from them.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP. Tochukwu Ikenga who made this known to newsmen said, “The Police operatives attached to Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, in the early hours of 1st September, 2025 arrested four male suspects and recovered 2 (Two) Pump Action Guns and Nine 9 (Nine) Live Cartridges in Amansea, Awka. 

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“This was based on credible intelligence on a case of kidnapping where a ransom of N5,000,000 (Five Million Naira) only was paid before the victims were released. The Case was earlier transferred to the unit from B Division Awka on 14th August 2025, he further disclosed.

He named the arrested suspects as, Chigozie Igboekwu ‘M’ aged 31 years, Odumegwu Chibuike ‘M’ aged 23 years, Jonah Awudu ‘M’ aged 40 years, and Okechukwu Nwari ‘M’ aged 33 years”,

The suspects he stated have voluntarily confessed to the crime and narrated how they conspired among themselves, on 12th August, 2025 at about 7.00 pm and kidnapped two victims in Amansea, Awka, kept them for two days in a bush at Ugwuoba, Enugu State, collected ransom before they were released. 

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has commended the operatives for their resilience and reassured Ndi Anambra of the Command’s unwavering commitment to rid the State of criminal elements and ensure the safety and security of all residents.

It was gathered that the case shall be charged to the Court on the conclusion of investigation as operations are still ongoing to arrest other gang/syndicate members.