Rita Odafe
A 32-year-old man named Chukwuma Obi was detained by the Anambra State Police for allegedly attempting to extort a victim by threatening abduction unless a ransom of N1.2 million was paid.
According to the police statement by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, released on December 25, 2024, Obi, who hails from Umuagu Village in Igboukwu, posed as a member of IPOB to intimidate the victim into sending the ransom to his bank account.
“Chukwuma Obi has been arrested in connection with an alleged attempted kidnapping and extortion case,” the statement disclosed.
“The arrest occurred on December 24, 2024, conducted by the Anti-Cultism Squad, Enugu-Ukwu. The suspect is accused of demanding a ransom of N1,200,000 through threats of abduction. The victim had received a threatening message from someone claiming to be affiliated with the banned IPOB, warning them that failure to pay would result in kidnapping.”
“During questioning, the suspect admitted his involvement and is now cooperating with the police to identify and capture other gang members engaged in these criminal acts.
“This incident follows a similar case from the previous month, in which a couple was arrested for sending threats and extorting victims by pretending to plan abductions. They confessed and acknowledged destroying the SIM cards linked to their illegal schemes.
“The Commissioner of Police, _CP Nnaghe Obono Itam_, reaffirmed the Command’s dedication to thoroughly investigating all cases to ensure justice is served and all involved are held accountable, which is crucial for deterring further criminal actions and safeguarding community wellbeing.”
“The Anambra State Police Command encourages the public to promptly report any suspicious activities to local police stations or via emergency contact numbers.”
