Police nab 2 over staged kidnapping, ₦10m ransom demand
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two suspects, Chinecherem Nwaokoye, 28, a female student of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), and her alleged accomplice, Chinecherem Aronu, 30, for allegedly faking a kidnapping to extort money from the victim’s family, with the duo being apprehended by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) at a lodge near the UNIZIK temporary site in Awka.
According to a statement released on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the police acted on intelligence following a report of the alleged abduction of Nwaokoye. She had reportedly informed her family on Tuesday, July 8, that she was on her way home but failed to arrive. Her phone remained switched off throughout the day.
READ ALSO: 2 sisters arrested for kidnapping brother, collecting ₦30m ransom
On Wednesday, July 9, the family received a call from an unknown male who claimed responsibility for her kidnap and demanded a ransom of ₦10 million. After negotiations, the amount was reduced to ₦3 million, and a part payment of ₦1 million was transferred, notably into the victim’s own bank account.
SP Ikenga said that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to staging the abduction. Nwaokoye admitted to masterminding the plan after watching a movie, saying she intended to give the money to her boyfriend to start a business.
READ ALSO: Final year student arrested for kidnapping best friend
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered that the suspects be charged to court without delay. He described the incident as a troubling reflection of the growing moral decay among some youths.
“The Command will not tolerate such criminal deception. We urge parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children’s activities and the kind of influence they are exposed to,” the statement read.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
