By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, of the Anambra State Police Command said it had foiled a suspected kidnap plot, rescued a victim; and also arrested a 66-year-old man, Mr. Kenneth Nnaji, over his alleged involvement in a criminal syndicate specialising in obtaining money under false pretences.
The arrest, according to the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, was made on the evening of July 11 in Awka following intelligence-led operations by the police.
SP Ikenga disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly belongs to a three-man syndicate involved in defrauding unsuspecting members of the public through carefully coordinated deception across Anambra and Enugu states.
According to him, the suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation to being part of the criminal enterprise and provided investigators with useful information regarding the group’s mode of operation.
He explained that members of the syndicate allegedly disguise themselves in branded overalls and face caps while posing as representatives of reputable companies.
The police spokesperson said the suspects allegedly approach prospective victims, obtain goods from them under the pretext of collecting samples and thereafter direct the victims to another location, claiming that larger quantities of the products are available at heavily discounted prices.
Unsuspecting victims, he said, are eventually defrauded through the fraudulent scheme.
According to the Police, the suspect identified other members of the syndicate as Christopher, whose surname is yet to be ascertained, Jacob Musa, and Joseph, whose surname is also yet to be identified.
SP Ikenga noted that the three suspects are currently on the run, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend them and dismantle the alleged criminal network.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, urged members of the public to remain vigilant and exercise due diligence before engaging in business transactions with persons claiming to represent companies or organisations.
He advised residents to always verify the identities and credentials of such individuals to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
The Commissioner also directed the investigating team to carry out a comprehensive investigation, ensure the arrest of all fleeing members of the syndicate, recover the alleged proceeds of the fraud and prosecute all those found culpable in accordance with the law.
The Police Public Relations Officer added that Kenneth Nnaji would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
, Awkuzu, of the Anambra State Police Command said it had foiled a suspected kidnap plot, rescued a victim; and also arrested a 66-year-old man, Mr. Kenneth Nnaji, over his alleged involvement in a criminal syndicate specialising in obtaining money under false pretences.){kind=link}