The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man, Muanaenye Chekwube Victor, for allegedly masterminding the abduction of his friend in Uli, Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, Victor lured the victim under the pretense of a visit and then handed him over to a criminal gang with whom he conspired to carry out the kidnapping.

Police said the suspect and his accomplices collected ransom in foreign currency, which amounted to the naira equivalent of ₦5.3 million, before releasing the victim.
“Police operatives attached to Uli Divisional Headquarters on the evening of June 26, 2025, exposed and arrested one Muanaenye Chekwube Victor, aged 24, over a reported case of kidnapping,” the statement read.

Ikenga noted that during interrogation, the suspect confessed to planning the abduction and misleading the victim by pretending to be taking him to visit a friend. He further admitted that he pretended to be kidnapped alongside the victim to avoid suspicion.

Victor is currently in custody and assisting investigators with information aimed at apprehending his co-conspirators.

Police say he will be charged once investigations are concluded.