How man killed his 5-year-old cousin after parents failed to pay ransom – Police

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the abduction and killing of a five-year-old boy in Udi Local Government Area of the state.

Police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, identified the suspects as Ikediekpere Obodoagu (18) and Sunday Michael (24).

According to the statement, Obodoagu, the prime suspect, allegedly conspired with Michael to carry out the heinous crime, which has shocked the local community.

The victim, Wisdom, was the prime suspect’s cousin. They hail from Okinitor village, Amankwo Ngwo, a community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu.

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The alleged accomplice is a security guard at 9th Mile and a native of Mayo-Belwa Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria’s north-east.

Mr Ndukwe said the victim was reported missing on 26 July 2025 after which the prime suspect used his accomplice to demand N1 million ransom from the victim’s father.

The police spokesperson explained that the prime suspect’s use of an accomplice to demand ransom was an attempt to protect his identity.

He said the suspects were arrested on 11 and 12 August 2025 by police operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad, following intelligence gathered after ransom demands were reported.

“When the ransom went unmet, the suspect murdered the child and buried him in a bush near their residence in Okinitor, Amankwo Ngwo, Udi Local Government Area,” he said.

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime. The prime suspect thereafter led operatives to the scene, where the victim’s body was exhumed in the presence of medical personnel, including a doctor, who certified the child dead,” Mr Ndukwe narrated.

Mr Ndukwe said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Bitrus Giwa, has commiserated with the bereaved family and assured them that the suspects will be arraigned upon conclusion of investigations.

Mr Giwa reiterated that the police in the state are committed to detecting and preventing heinous crimes and ensuring justice in the state.