Anambra State Police Command made a huge breakthrough when they captured a bunch of alleged kidnappers who admitted to adopting a clever strategy of luring their victims using Facebook pictures of attractive ladies.
Aderemi Adeoye, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, disclosed this revelation during a press conference held in Awka on Monday. Adeoye provided detailed information on the achievements of the police force in the ongoing crackdown on criminal activities in the state.
According to the Commissioner, the police operation conducted between December 1, 2023, and the present date resulted in the arrest of approximately 30 suspects. These included individuals involved in various criminal activities such as kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and insurgency.
A significant number of seized items were also highlighted during the briefing. The police successfully recovered 11 vehicles, 12 firearms, and 40 rounds of ammunition from the arrested suspects.
However, amidst the triumph, the Commissioner mourned the loss of two police personnel from the Enugu command who were fatally attacked by a gang of assailants at Uga Roundabout in Aguata Local Government area of the state. Despite this tragedy, the police were able to trace the perpetrators to their camp in Ogboji forest, where two criminals were neutralized.
Among the arrested individuals was Emmanuel Orjiakor from Oba, a notorious figure involved in armed robbery and kidnapping. Orjiakor sustained gunshot injuries during an encounter with Anambra Vigilante Group operatives.
Additionally, the Commissioner revealed the arrest of Obinna Ekwunife, aged 27, who was apprehended on December 1, in connection with the kidnapping of Emmanuel Tobechukwu. Notably, Tobechukwu had transferred N9 million to a Point of Sale (POS) operator as ransom. Further investigations unveiled a wider criminal network, with the suspects confessing to the abduction of Obioma Godswill from Delta.
The criminals confessed to a disturbing modus operandi, admitting that they employed Facebook accounts featuring pictures of attractive women to entice their victims to specific locations. Once lured, the victims were then held captive until a ransom was paid for their release.
Commissioner Adeoye emphasized the significance of public cooperation in combating crime and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police.
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
