By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The operatives of the Anambra State Police Command, attached to the Uli Divisional Headquarters, Anambra State, have arrested a 24-year-old man, Muanaenye Chekwube Victor, over his alleged involvement in the kidnap of his own friend, a crime which saw the victim’s family pay a ransom equivalent to five million, three hundred thousand naira in dollars.
The suspect, according to a statement released on Sunday by the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, was apprehended following intelligence-led investigations into the reported case. He said the suspect was arrested on the evening of 26th June 2025, bringing to light his act of betrayal, in which he conspired and lured his friend to a yet-to-be-identified gang.
According to the statement, during interrogation, the suspect confessed to masterminding the entire scheme. He allegedly lured the victim by pretending that he needed someone to accompany him to visit another friend.
It was gathered that immediately they were together, Victor and his criminal gang struck, seized the victim and staged his abduction in a manner designed to avoid suspicion. To further conceal his involvement, Victor reportedly acted as though he had also fallen prey to the kidnappers.
The investigation revealed that the gang released the victim after successfully extorting a ransom equivalent to five million, three hundred thousand naira in dollars from his family.
The Police Spokesman, SP Ikenga, said the suspect is now in custody and cooperating with the police by providing useful information aimed at ensuring the arrest of his accomplices and the eventual dismantling of the criminal network behind the plot. He further confirmed that the suspect will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.
