The Enugu State Police Command has apprehended four suspects involved in a staged kidnapping and ransom fraud. The suspects, aged between 19 and 35, were arrested on May 24, 2025, after allegedly defrauding the parents of one of the suspects, 21-year-old Chidera Godwin Ako, of ₦2 million.
Details of the Arrest
- Chidera Godwin Ako, 21, orchestrated his own kidnapping and demanded a ₦10 million ransom from his parents.
- His accomplices, Okechukwu Philip Chidalu, 19, Ifeanyi Ugwu, 20, and Ossai Chigozie, 35, were arrested alongside him.
- The suspects were caught at a POS centre while attempting to withdraw funds from the ransom payment.
Investigation and Recovery
- A locally made single-barrel gun and two live cartridges were recovered from the suspects.
- The police operatives were able to track down the suspects after the parents paid ₦1.5 million initially and another ₦500,000.
- The suspects have confessed to the crime and will face arraignment upon completion of investigations.
Call to Action
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has urged the public to report suspected kidnappings immediately and avoid making hasty ransom payments, emphasizing that some cases may be staged like this one. This recent incident highlights the need for vigilance and cooperation between the public and law enforcement agencies.
In 2024, the Enugu State Police Command reported remarkable strides in crime-fighting, including the arrest of over 1,000 suspects linked to various criminal activities and the successful rescue of 100 victims of kidnapping and abduction. The command recovered over 200 firearms and 124 vehicles from suspects.
