Police operatives in Anambra State have arrested two members of a kidnapping gang operating in Anam axis of Anambra West LGA.
The state police command’s spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated this in a press release in Awka, Anambra State, on Saturday.
Ikenga said the arrest followed a tip-off of an attempt by one Chukwuebuka Esulo to sell a Mercedes Benz GLK Sports Utility Vehicle, which was identified as belonging to a kidnapping victim.
The statement read: “On July 18, 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.
“The owner had earlier been reported kidnapped in Aguleri on June 26, 2023, and the sum of N4.5m extorted as ransom from the family before he was released.”
He said the man was arrested for questioning, and he confessed to being a member of the kidnapping gang, while disclosing that he was sent from their camp to sell the car.
“The Commissioner of Police, transferred the case 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.
“Ufuo was led to believe that the vehicle had been sold and made to come out to collect the proceeds, when he was arrested.”
Ikenga said efforts were ongoing to arrest fleeing members of the gang and recover their weapons, while CP Aderemi Adeoye commended all personnel involved in the arrest.
