The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended a 32-year-old man, Chukwuma Obi, for allegedly threatening to kidnap a resident if a ransom of ₦1.2 million was not paid.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed that the suspect posed as a member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to intimidate the victim. Obi reportedly demanded the ransom be deposited into his bank account, warning of abduction if his demands were not met.
“The Anambra State Police Command has arrested one Chukwuma Obi, a 32-year-old male from Umuagu Village, Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area, for attempted kidnapping and extortion,” the statement read.
The arrest was carried out on December 24, 2024, by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Squad in Enugu-Ukwu. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and is assisting law enforcement in identifying other members of the gang involved in the scheme.
This arrest follows a similar case last month, where the police detained a couple who specialized in sending threatening messages and extorting victims under the guise of planned abductions. The couple admitted to their crimes and disclosed that they destroyed SIM cards used in their operations to avoid detection.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, reaffirmed the Command’s dedication to thoroughly investigating such cases, ensuring that perpetrators face justice. He emphasized that these efforts are crucial in safeguarding the community and deterring future criminal activities.
The Command also urged the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or use its emergency lines to assist in maintaining security across the state.
