Police in Anambra State said they have arrested member of a kidnap gang who extorted sum of N4.5m as ransom from victim’s family before his release in Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga on Saturday said the suspect confessed being member of the gang, adding that his arrest led to apprehension of his accomplice.
He said victim’s car was recovered, while efforts were on to round up other members of the gang and recover their weapons.
He said, “Police Officers in Anambra State Command have smashed a notorious Kidnap gang operating in Anam axis of Anambra West LGA.
“On 18th July 2023, Police detectives were alerted to one Chukwuebuka Esulo from Ebonyi State who was seeking a buyer in Agulu, Anaocha LGA, for a black Mercedes Benz GLK SUV reg. No. BLF 746 EA whose owner had earlier been reported kidnapped in Aguleri on 26th June, 2023, and the sum of N4.5m extorted as ransom from the family before he was released.
“Detectives swooped on the suspect and arrested him for questioning.
“He confessed to being a member of the kidnap gang and disclosed that he was sent from their Camp to sell the car.
“On the orders of the Commissioner of Police, the case was transferred to the Anti Kidnapping Unit, Awkuzu who then went after other members of the gang leading to the arrest of one other member of the gang Ejeka Ufuo, ‘m’ 23 years, who was led to believe that the vehicle had been sold and he came out with the intent of collecting the proceeds.
“The Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye commended all Personnel involved in the breakthrough and urged them to redouble their effort until the menace of kidnapping is eradicated in Anambra State.”