The Nigeria Police Force, Anambra State Command, has arrested a second suspect in connection with an alleged kidnapping, armed robbery and cult-related case in Awka, where a ransom of ₦1m was reportedly collected.
The Command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, arrested a 32-year-old suspect, Ifeanyi Ekemezie, in the early hours of February 17 at Isuaniocha in Awka North Local Government Area.
He explained that the arrest followed an earlier breakthrough on February 13, when another suspect, Ndubuisi Anyakaku, was apprehended after his bank account was allegedly traced to a ransom payment linked to a kidnapped victim in Awka.
“The arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into conspiracy, cultism, armed robbery and kidnapping in Awka and surrounding communities,” Ikenga said.
“The suspect apprehended earlier is believed to have received the ₦1m ransom through his account.”
According to the police, the case originated from an attack on December 31, 2025, when the victim was reportedly assaulted in his residence at Amansea in Awka North.
“During the incident, the victim was robbed, abducted and his Toyota Highlander was taken away,” the police spokesman stated. “A sum of ₦3m was also withdrawn from his account. He sustained a gunshot injury to the leg before he was later abandoned and subsequently rescued.”
Ikenga said preliminary interrogation of Ekemezie allegedly linked him to a three-man criminal gang involved in kidnapping and vehicle snatching within the Awka axis.
“He confessed to belonging to a three-man gang that specialises in kidnapping and car theft in Awka and neighbouring areas,” he said. “He also admitted affiliation with the Vikings confraternity and involvement in cult-related violence.”
The police added that efforts had been intensified to track down other members of the syndicate and recover weapons used in their operations.
“The Command is working to apprehend the remaining suspects still at large and to recover their operational arms,” Ikenga added. “Further updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses.”
The police also recalled a recent security operation in the state during which a suspected armed robber and cultist was neutralised, noting that the Command remained committed to tackling violent crime across Anambra.
