The Anambra State Police Command has taken into custody two young adults who allegedly conspired to fake a kidnapping in order to extort money from the family of one of them.
Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed yesterday that the suspects were apprehended through intelligence-driven operations carried out by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu.
He said: “The suspects, identified as Nmesoma Josephine Nwoye, female, aged 23 years, and Chibuike Ogbu, male, aged 24 years, were arrested after intelligence-led operations uncovered that the supposed victim conspired with Chibuike (her boyfriend) to stage her own abduction.“
The operatives equally retrieved ₦1.2 million, which formed part of the ransom previously paid by the young woman’s family.
“Further information revealed that the suspects demanded ₦15 million ransom and after negotiation, ₦3 million was transferred into the ‘victim’s account.”
Reacting to the development, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, described the incident as a reflection of the rising moral decadence in the society, where young people are increasingly resorting to criminality for selfish gains.
He appealed to parents, guardians, and religious leaders to step up efforts in teaching children discipline, honesty, and strong moral values that can guide them through life.
The Commissioner further cautioned young people against embarking on destructive paths, emphasizing that no matter how carefully planned, criminal activities will eventually be exposed and punished by the law.
