The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspects over the kidnap and murder of a man, Chinedu Echezona, and recovered his remains, vehicle and the ₦5 million ransom allegedly collected by the suspects.
The police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued in Awka on Sunday, November 15.
The arrests, according to the PPRO stated, followed intelligence-led investigations by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, who apprehended the suspects on November 12, 2026, at Omoba Phase II, Nkpor, Onitsha.
The suspects were identified as Chidozie Francis, 24; Kosisọchukwu Eziani, 28; Akachukwu Maduabuchi, 22; Chibuzor Onurah, 29; and Echezona Ude, 22.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that Echezona was kidnapped in the early hours of January 29, 2026, while his abductors initially demanded a ransom of ₦20 million.
The police said earlier investigative efforts, which extended to a neighbouring state, failed to produce the desired breakthrough.
However, during interrogation, the five suspects allegedly confessed to their involvement in the crime, disclosing that they abducted the victim on January 29 and collected ₦5 million as ransom.
They reportedly admitted to killing him after receiving the money and revealed that two firearms were used in carrying out the operation.
In a further breakthrough, police operatives, acting on information obtained from the suspects, led them to a location where the victim’s remains had been concealed at about noon on November 14.
The remains were subsequently recovered and deposited in a mortuary for preservation and forensic examination.
The police also recovered the victim’s black Honda CR-V Jeep with registration number YAB 220 DM, alongside the ₦5 million ransom allegedly collected by the suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama, directed operatives to intensify efforts to recover the two firearms allegedly used in the crime and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
He commended the operatives for their persistence, professionalism and commitment, particularly for ensuring that the case was not abandoned despite the long period since the victim’s abduction.
The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s determination to pursue criminal elements, dismantle criminal networks and ensure that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice.
He also assured residents that the police would continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies to protect lives and property across the state.
