Emma Elekwa
Police in Anambra state have arrested two persons for allegedly conspiring with one Obiora Okoye to fake the kidnap of a 18-year-old girl, Mmesoma Ifediora in Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government Area of the State.
Command Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga who disclosed this on Saturday said the suspects, Chinedu Nwobi and Okwudili Nweke, both 25 years were arrested on March 14, 2026 while the ‘kidnapped’ Mmesoma was rescued at a forest popularly known as Malaysia Forest” located at Iruayika in the area.
According to him, Mmesoma reportedly conspired with her boyfriend (Obiora), who escaped during the arrest, to fake the abduction and demanded for N3million ransom from her parents.
He said the parents managed to send in N240,000 through her Opay Account, scouting to pay the remaining balance.
“Upon interrogation, the rescued victim confessed that the kidnapping was staged in collaboration with her boyfriend, Obiora Okoye, with the intent to extort the sum of #3million from her parents.
“She further revealed that they had both taken an oath of secrecy and had been moving from one location to another over a period of about two months to sustain the deception.
Stainless fled
“However, Obiora the boyfriend of the victim also known as “Stainless,” fled the scene upon sighting the Police and is currently at large.
“To this end, the victim admitted that her parents had already paid the sum of #240,000 into her Opay account as part of the ransom demand.
“Furthermore, Items recovered from the scene include 10 SIM cards of different networks, one MTN 4G WiFi device, two female pants, one native “juju” calabash, one Duos mobile phone, necklace, white bandage used to tie the victim’s hands and eyes and computer cables,” he added.
The PPRO further revealed that a 24-year old man, Chukwuebuka Eze was arrested by operatives of the same squad on March 18, 2026 with a distinctive tattoo inscription on his chest reading: “No weapon fashioned against me shall prosper”.
He said the suspect was identified as the gang leader responsible for the kidnapping incident in Obosi where ransom of #150,000 was later paid before the release of the victims, while their valuables were also forcefully taken.
“During the search, items recovered at the point of arrest include, one locally made double-barrel shotgun, five live cartridges and One Redmi mobile phone belonging to one of the victims.
Confessing to crime
“The suspect also confessed to the crime and other related criminal activities within the State.
“He mentioned other gang members who are currently at large as the Police investigative team is currently working with the information for possible arrest.
“These successes are the result of intensified intelligence-led operations, strategic deployment of personnel, and improved collaboration with other security agencies and members of the public.
“All suspects shall be charged to court on conclusion of the investigation.”
