The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man, Muanaenye Chekwube Victor, for allegedly masterminding the abduction of his close friend and collecting ransom equivalent to ₦5.3 million in dollars before the victim was freed.
In a statement released on June 29, 2025, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that Victor was arrested by operatives attached to Uli Divisional Headquarters on the evening of June 26, 2025, following investigations into the incident.
“The case, which is under investigation, revealed that the suspect planned the kidnapping and collected a ransom in dollars equivalent of five million three hundred thousand naira with his gang members before the victim was released,” SP Ikenga said.
According to the police, Victor confessed during interrogation that he lured his friend under the guise of visiting another acquaintance. Working with his gang, he arranged the abduction and, in a bid to cover his tracks, pretended to be a victim of the same kidnapping.
“The suspect during interrogation confessed to having planned the kidnapping plot by luring his friend to escort him to see another friend. Victor and his criminal gang allegedly abducted their friend and to avoid suspicion pretended to have been kidnapped by his criminal gang,” the police spokesperson explained.
The suspect is reportedly cooperating with investigators, providing leads to help track down his accomplices. The police said he would face prosecution at the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.
The Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents across Anambra State.
