By Karen James
The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended a 32-year-old man, Chukwuma Obi, from Umuagu Village, Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area, for his alleged involvement in attempted kidnapping and extortion. Operatives of the Anti-Cultism Squad, Enugu-Ukwu, arrested the suspect on December 24, 2024, following an investigation into a menacing ransom demand.
According to the police, the suspect had demanded N1.2 million from a victim, threatening abduction if the money was not deposited into a specified account. The victim reported receiving a message from the suspect, who claimed to be a member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), using the group’s name to instill fear and coerce payment.
During interrogation, Obi confessed to the crime and is now assisting police in identifying other members of his gang involved in similar criminal activities.
This arrest follows a separate but related case last month, where the Command apprehended a couple who specialized in sending threatening messages to extort victims under the guise of planned abductions. The couple confessed to their crimes, revealing that they destroyed SIM cards after each extortion attempt to evade detection.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, commended the efforts of the Anti-Cultism Squad and reiterated the Command’s commitment to pursuing all cases to a conclusive end. He emphasized the importance of eradicating criminal activities to ensure the safety and security of all residents.
“The Command will leave no stone unturned in bringing perpetrators of such heinous crimes to justice. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly,” CP Itam stated.
The Anambra State Police Command continues to encourage residents to provide actionable intelligence and report any threats or suspicious behavior through its emergency lines or at the nearest police station.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer, assured the public that the suspect would face prosecution according to the law and urged everyone to remain calm as security agencies intensify efforts to prevent future incidents of extortion and kidnapping.
