The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspects over the kidnapping and murder of Chinedu Echezona, who was allegedly killed after his abductors collected a ₦5 million ransom, nearly 10 months after his abduction.
The Command also announced the recovery of the victim’s remains, his black Honda CR-V Jeep with registration number YAB 220 DM, and the ₦5 million ransom allegedly collected by the suspects.
The arrests followed sustained intelligence-led investigations by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, who apprehended the five suspects on November 12, 2026, at Omoba Phase II, Nkpor, Onitsha.
The suspects were identified as Chidozie Francis, 24; Kosisọchukwu Eziani, 28; Akachukwu Maduabuchi, 22; Chibuzor Onurah, 29; and Echezona Ude, 22.
In a statement issued on Sunday, November 15, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, said preliminary investigations showed that Echezona was kidnapped in the early hours of January 29, 2026.
According to the police, initial efforts to track down the armed gang, including investigations that extended to a neighbouring state, did not produce the desired breakthrough, as the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦20 million.
However, the suspects allegedly confessed during interrogation to abducting the victim on January 29 and collecting ₦5 million as ransom before killing him.
“They further allegedly admitted to killing him after collecting the ransom and revealed that two firearms were used in carrying out the operation,” Ikenga stated.
The police spokesperson disclosed that a major breakthrough was recorded at about noon on November 14, when operatives, acting on information obtained from the suspects, took them to the location where Echezona’s remains had been concealed.
The remains were subsequently recovered and deposited in a mortuary for preservation and forensic examination.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, directed operatives to intensify efforts to recover the two firearms allegedly used in the crime and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Ama commended the investigating officers for their persistence, professionalism and commitment, particularly for refusing to abandon the case despite the lengthy period since the victim’s abduction.
The police commissioner also reaffirmed the Command’s determination to pursue criminal suspects, dismantle criminal networks and ensure that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice.
He assured residents that the Command would sustain its intelligence-driven policing strategies to protect lives and property across Anambra State.
