Anambra police arrest five suspected kidnappers, recover remains of victim, vehicle, N5m ransom

The Anambra State Police Command apprehended five male suspects linked to the kidnapping and killing of Chinedu Echezona. According to a press release from the command, field agents of the Rapid Response Squad, based in Awkuzu, apprehended the suspects on November 12th, 2026, in Omoba Phase II, Nkpor, Onitsha. The police also recovered the victim's remains, his black Honda CR-V Jeep with registration number YAB 220 DM, and the ₦5 million ransom allegedly collected by the suspects.

The victim was abducted in the early hours of January 29th, 2026. Preliminary investigations were hampered by a neighboring state, as the gang demanded a ₦20 million ransom. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement and revealed that the victim was abducted on January 29th, 2026, and killed after the ransom was paid. Two firearms were allegedly used in the operation.

The suspects are Chidozie Francis, 24; Kosisọchukwu Eziani, 28; Akachukwu Maduabuchi, 22; Chibuzor Onurah, 29; and Echezona Ude, 22. The police command also disclosed that on November 14th, 2026, at midday, officers, acting on information from the suspects, led them to a location where the victim's remains were concealed. The remains were secured and sent to a mortuary for forensic examination.

Police Commissioner, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has ordered the operatives to continue their efforts to recover the two firearms and investigate the incident's full circumstances. The commissioner praised the officers for their persistence and professionalism, especially for not abandoning the case despite the long time since the victim's abduction.