From Ifeoma Ejiofor
Police operatives in Anambra State Command have smashed a notorious kidnap gang operating in Anam axis of Anambra West LGA.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command, Tochukwu Ikenga (DSP) revealed this in a press statement made available to journalists on Saturday.
“On 18th July 2023, Police detectives were alerted to one Chukwuebuka Esulo from Ebonyi State who was seeking a buyer in Agulu, Anaocha LGA, for a black Mercedes Benz GLK SUV reg. No. BLF 746 EA whose owner had earlier been reported kidnapped in Aguleri on 26th June, 2023, and the sum of N4.5m extorted as ransom from the family before he was released.” He said.
Ikenga said that detectives swooped on the suspect and arrested him for questioning.
The suspect according to the PPRO confessed to being a member of the kidnap gang and disclosed that he was sent from their Camp to sell the car.
“On the orders of the Commissioner of Police, the case was transferred to the Anti Kidnapping Unit, Awkuzu who then went after other members of the gang leading to the arrest of one other member of the gang Ejeka Ufuo, ‘m’ 23 years, who was led to believe that the vehicle had been sold and he came out with the intent of collecting the proceeds.” Ikenga revealed.
He said that efforts are ongoing to round up other members of the gang and recover their weapons.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye(CP) has commended all personnel involved in the breakthrough and urged them to redouble their effort until the menace of kidnapping is eradicated in the state.