Ebonyi Man Stages Own Kidnap, Demands N25m Ransom From Family — Police

Ebonyi Man Stages Own Kidnap, Demands N25m Ransom From Family — Police

The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a man, Ajah Ikechukwu, of Ngwogwo Community, Ishiagu in Ivo Local Government Area, for allegedly staging his own kidnapping and extorting ransom from his own family. The state Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Okafor, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Abakaliki. According to the police, the suspect went into hiding on August 10, 2026, and later contacted his family, demanding N25 million as ransom for his release. In a shocking twist, he provided his own bank account number, into which his unsuspecting family members transferred N1 million. The family, believing their loved one was in the hands of dangerous kidnappers, complied with the payment, only to discover later that they had been deceived by their own relative. “Following diligent investigation and intelligence gathering, the suspect was arrested. During interrogation, he confessed to having orchestrated the purported kidnapping and ransom demand,” CP Okafor said. The Commissioner of Police issued a stern warning to the public, stating that “the deliberate staging of kidnappings and extortion of unsuspecting family members under false pretences are serious criminal offences and will be investigated and prosecuted.”

CP Okafor also revealed that the Command arrested 699 suspects—660 males and 39 females—in connection with 372 reported cases between April and August 2026. Of these, 309 suspects have been charged to court in 162 cases, while investigations into the remaining cases are ongoing. The Command recovered 31 assorted firearms, 33 rounds of ammunition, and three vehicles during the period under review. The arrests represent a significant crackdown on criminal activities in the state, with the police demonstrating increased capacity to investigate and prosecute offenders across various categories of crime.

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On August 16, 2026, the Command received a distress call from a police officer who reported being attacked by three armed men while returning from work. The hoodlums attempted to force open the officer’s vehicle but fled upon sighting approaching police operatives. The same suspects later kidnapped one Chigbo Lucy but were intercepted around Ebebe Junction. The victim was rescued unhurt, while the suspects fled. One suspect, identified as Stephen Job, was arrested. During a search of his residence, police recovered one locally made pistol, thirteen live cartridges, one black mask, one pair of black gloves, and assorted charms. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the other fleeing suspects, with the police maintaining pressure on criminal networks operating in the area.

The Command also announced the arrest of two additional suspects, Friday Nwafor and Ozomena Pius, also known as “Oxygen,” in connection with the murder of the Traditional Ruler of Ishinkwo Autonomous Community in Onicha Local Government Area, His Royal Highness Josephat Ikegwu. The suspects were arrested at their hideout in Ishiagu, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, following sustained intelligence-driven operations. The arrest of the suspects in connection with the monarch’s murder demonstrates the Command’s commitment to pursuing justice for victims of violent crimes across the state, regardless of where perpetrators may flee.

Okafor noted that the successes were achieved through intelligence-led policing and stakeholder engagements to curb land and farmer-herder disputes. She said the Command successfully policed the August 22 Local Government elections and is fully prepared for gubernatorial campaigns starting September 9, 2026. “We remain apolitical, impartial and professional. We will not tolerate violence, intimidation, hate speech or any act capable of threatening public peace,” she warned. The Commissioner’s comments reflect the Command’s determination to maintain law and order during the upcoming political season, which often brings heightened tensions and potential for electoral violence.

CP Okafor urged residents to report suspicious activities to the Command Control Room. “It is our commitment to protect lives and property. There will be no safe haven for kidnappers, murderers and other criminals in Ebonyi State,” she concluded. The Command’s appeal for public cooperation underscores the importance of community engagement in effective policing, as citizens play a crucial role in providing intelligence that helps law enforcement prevent and solve crimes.

Ebonyi Man Stages Own Kidnap, Demands N25m Ransom From Family — Police