Eniola Yekini
The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a man, Ajah Ikechukwu, of Ngwogwo Community, Ishiagu in Ivo Local Government Area of the state, for allegedly staging his own kidnap and extorting ransom from his 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 her, the suspect went into hiding and later contacted his family, demanding N25 million as ransom. He provided his bank account into which the family transferred N1million.
“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.
She warned that “the deliberate staging of kidnappings and extortion of unsuspecting family members under false pretences are serious criminal offences and will be prosecuted.”
The CP 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. We recovered 31 assorted firearms, 33 rounds of ammunition and 3 vehicles,” she stated.
On August 16, police rescued Chigbo Lucy at Ebebe Junction after hoodlums attacked a police officer and later abducted her. One suspect, Stephen Job, was arrested with 1 locally made pistol, 13 live cartridges, a black mask, gloves and charms. Manhunt is ongoing for others.
The Command successfully policed the August 22 LGA elections and said it is fully prepared for gubernatorial campaigns starting September 9, 2026.
CP Okafor said the successes were achieved through intelligence-led policing and stakeholder engagements to curb land and farmer-herder disputes.
“We remain apolitical, impartial and professional. We will not tolerate violence, intimidation, hate speech or any act capable of threatening public peace,” she warned.
She urged residents to report suspicious activities to the Command Control Room on 07064515001.
“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.