Police arrest 19-year-old notorious kidnapper, rescue 2 teenage victims

Police operatives from the Oba Divisional Headquarters in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State arrested a notorious kidnapper and three accomplices on Wednesday, November 27, following the payment of a ₦200,000 ransom for the release of two victims.

The operation, conducted around 11:54 a.m., also led to the rescue of two teenage victims, aged between 15 and 19, who had been held captive in Oba.

According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the prime suspect, 19-year-old Ifechukwu Ibesimako of Aboji Village, Oba, alongside his accomplices, used social media to lure victims by proposing friendship.

Once the victims were in their custody, the gang demanded ransom payments from their families before releasing them.

The arrest further uncovered past criminal activities by the group, including the case of another female victim who had previously paid a ransom and was released.

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Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the arrest and rescue operation. He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has directed the immediate transfer of the suspects to the Anti-Kidnapping and Robbery Squad for thorough investigations.

The police also issued a warning to youths to exercise caution when interacting with strangers online to avoid falling victim to such schemes. This incident highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat kidnapping and ensure safety in the region.