Anambra police arrest man involved in kidnapping for ransom in Awka
Anambra State Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper
Awka, Anambra State — Police in Anambra State have apprehended a 32-year-old man, Ifeanyi Ekemezie, in connection with a kidnapping case. His arrest was confirmed by State Police Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
In a press release, Ikenga noted that Ekemezie is linked to another gang member who allegedly used his bank account to receive a ransom payment of 1 million naira for a victim kidnapped in December 2025.
According to Ikenga, Ekemezie confessed to being part of a three-member criminal syndicate focused on kidnapping and carjacking in and around Awka. “During interrogation, Ifeanyi Ekemezie admitted to being a member of a clannish group known as the Vikings Confraternity and acknowledged involvement in several cult-related killings in Awka,” Ikenga stated.
The arrest is part of a broader investigation into activities related to conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism, and kidnapping in the area. The case traces back to December 31, 2025, when a victim was attacked at his residence in Amansea. During the incident, the victim’s Toyota Highlander was stolen, and 3 million naira was transferred from his bank account. The victim sustained a leg injury and was later abandoned at an undisclosed location before being rescued.
Ikenga also mentioned the prior arrest of Ndubuisi Anyakaku, 33, on February 13, 2026, who is alleged to have received ransom payments through his bank account for similar kidnappings in Awka.
The Anambra State Police Command has intensified its efforts to capture additional gang members still at large and recover their operational weapons. Further updates on the investigation will be provided as they become available.
