A 24-year-old man, Muanaenye Chekwube Victor, has been arrested by the Anambra State Police Command for allegedly masterminding the abduction of his own friend and collecting a ransom of ₦5.3 million with his gang before releasing the victim.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, operatives attached to the Uli Divisional Headquarters apprehended the suspect on Friday, June 26, 2025, in connection with the crime that took place in Uli, Ihiala Local Government Area.
“The suspect was exposed following a detailed investigation into a reported case of kidnapping. He lured his friend under the guise of visiting another acquaintance, only for the victim to be ambushed and abducted by Victor and his gang,” the police spokesperson said.
Ikenga further revealed that the suspect confessed to faking his own abduction during the operation in a bid to divert suspicion.
“Victor admitted to playing a key role in planning the entire operation and disclosed that the ransom was collected in dollar equivalent of ₦5.3 million before the victim was eventually freed. To avoid suspicion, he also pretended to have been kidnapped by the same gang,” the statement added.
The police said Victor is currently cooperating with investigators and has been providing useful information to track down other members of the criminal syndicate.
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“The suspect will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation,” Ikenga assured.
