Anambra Police Arrest Another Suspect Over ₦1m Ransom Kidnapping

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a second suspect in connection with a kidnapping and armed robbery case in Awka, during which a ransom of ₦1 million was allegedly paid.

The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Ifeanyi Ekemezie, was taken into custody by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) based in Awkuzu. According to a statement released on Wednesday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, the arrest took place in the early hours of February 17, 2026, at Isuaniocha in Awka North Local Government Area.

This development follows the arrest of 33-year-old Ndubuisi Anyakaku on February 13, 2026. Mr. Anyakaku is accused of allowing his bank account to be used to receive a ₦1 million ransom payment from a victim who had been kidnapped in Awka.

Mr. Ikenga explained that the case dates back to an incident on December 31, 2025, when the victim was attacked at his residence in Amansea, also in Awka North LGA.

During the assault, the victim was shot in the leg and abducted. His Toyota Highlander Jeep was stolen, and a further ₦3 million was reportedly transferred from his bank account. He was later abandoned at an unknown location before being rescued.

During interrogation, the latest suspect, Ifeanyi Ekemezie, reportedly confessed to being part of a three-man gang responsible for a series of kidnappings and car snatchings in the Awka area. The police statement added that he also admitted to being a member of the Vikings Confraternity and to being involved in multiple cult-related killings in the state capital.

The Police Public Relations Officer stated that the command is intensifying efforts to track down the remaining members of the gang who are currently at large and to recover their operational weapons. Further updates on the investigation will be provided in due course.