Ikenga stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect connived with criminal elements to abduct his unsuspecting friend, after luring the victim under the pretense of visiting another friend.

The Anambra State Police Command says it has arrested a 24-year-old man identified as Muanaenye Chekwube Victor, who allegedly orchestrated the kidnapping of his friend and collected ransom in dollars, worth N5.3 million.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, operatives attached to the Uli Divisional Headquarters arrested Victor on the evening of Thursday, June 26.

Ikenga stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect connived with criminal elements to abduct his unsuspecting friend, after luring the victim under the pretense of visiting another friend.

“The case which is under investigation revealed that the suspect planned the kidnapping and collected a ransom in dollars equivalent of five million three hundred thousand Naira with his gang members before the victim was released,” the police spokesperson said.

According to the police, during interrogation, Victor confessed to having masterminded the scheme and is said to be cooperating with authorities in identifying and tracking down his accomplices.

“The suspect, during interrogation, confessed to having planned the kidnapping plot by luring his friend to escort him to see another friend,” Ikenga said.

“Victor and his criminal gang allegedly abducted their friend and to avoid suspicion pretended to have been kidnapped by his criminal gang.

“Meanwhile, he is now cooperating with the police, providing information to help apprehend his accomplices and will face prosecution at the conclusion of the investigation.”

He assured that the Command remained committed to improving safety and security in the state.

This incident is the latest in a worrying pattern of betrayal-led abductions in Anambra State.

In May 2025, police in the state busted another kidnapping ring involving a university undergraduate who helped abduct his roommate for ransom.

The Anambra Police Command has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements, emphasising that strong community cooperation is crucial to combating organised crime in the state.