Anambra police arrest suspect for sending threat messages to resident to pay N1.2m ransom or be kidnapped

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested one Chukwuma Obi, 32, who threatened to kidnap a person if the victim fails to pay N1.2m ransom. 

The spokesperson of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, said the suspect posed as a member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and asked the victim to pay the money into his bank account or be abducted. 

“The Anambra State Police Command has arrested one Chukwuma Obi, a 32-year-old male from Umuagu Village, Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area, in connection with an alleged case of attempted kidnapping and extortion,” the statement read.

“The arrest was made on December 24, 2024, by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Squad, Enugu-Ukwu.“

“The suspect is accused of demanding a ransom of one million, two hundred thousand naira (#1,200,000) through threats of abduction. The victim reported receiving a menacing message from an individual claiming to be a member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), threatening abduction unless the demanded ransom was paid into a specified account

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and is currently assisting the Police in identifying and apprehending other members of the gang involved in the criminal activities.

“This arrest follows a similar case late last month, where the Command apprehended a couple specializing in sending threatening messages and extorting victims under the guise of planned abductions. The couple confessed to their crimes and admitted to destroying SIM cards used in their illicit activities.

“The Commissioner of Police, _CP Nnaghe Obono Itam_, reiterated the Command’s commitment to pursuing all cases to a conclusive end to ensure that suspects are apprehended and justice is served. He emphasized that such efforts are vital in preventing further criminal activities and ensuring the safety and security of residents.

“The Anambra State Police Command continues to urge the public to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through its emergency lines.”