Anambra police arrest two suspects linked to kidnapping, armed robbery, and attempted murder in Umudioka.
Victim escaped captivity, helped officers track gang using fake land sales to lure targets.
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two young men allegedly linked to a kidnapping syndicate operating in Umudioka, Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state. The suspects, identified as 23-year-old Onele Solomon, also known as “Federal”, and Simeon Chidera, popularly called “Chaplet”, were apprehended by officers of the Rapid Response Squad in the early hours of Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspects were involved in a violent case of kidnapping, armed robbery, and attempted murder reported on May 31, 2025. The victim was reportedly lured under the pretense of a land sale before being abducted by the gang. Once in their custody, the criminals allegedly robbed the victim of his personal belongings and inflicted severe injuries on him using a machete.
The statement revealed that after the attack, the victim was held captive in one of the gang’s hideouts, where the suspects attempted to extort ransom from his family and associates. Fortunately, the victim managed to escape from the den and later provided critical information to the police during a debriefing session.
SP Ikenga further explained that the two arrested suspects are part of a larger criminal network that uses fake land transactions to deceive unsuspecting individuals, particularly land buyers. “These individuals specialize in using fake land offers to lure their victims, whom they then kidnap, rob, and sometimes attempt to kill,” he said.
Following the arrests and the confessional statements given by the suspects, police operatives have launched a targeted operation to track down other members of the syndicate who are currently on the run. The command said it is committed to dismantling the entire network and restoring peace in the community.
The police spokesman urged members of the public to be cautious when entering into property transactions and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities. He also commended the efforts of the Rapid Response Squad for their swift action in apprehending the suspects.
The Anambra State Police Command has assured residents that it will continue to work tirelessly to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure the safety of all citizens.
