The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a man accused of staging his own kidnapping and collecting ₦1 million from his family after demanding a ₦25 million ransom.
The suspect, identified as Ajah Ikechukwu from Ngwogwo Community, Ishiagu, in Ivo Local Government Area of the state, allegedly disappeared and later contacted his family, claiming that he had been kidnapped.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, disclosed this on Thursday, September 3, 2026, during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Abakaliki.
According to Okafor, the suspect allegedly demanded ₦25 million from his family and provided a bank account into which the family eventually transferred ₦1 million.
“Following diligent investigation and intelligence gathering, the suspect was arrested. During interrogation, he confessed to having orchestrated the purported kidnapping and ransom demand,” 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 police commissioner also disclosed 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.
Okafor further disclosed that police operatives rescued a kidnap victim, Chigbo Lucy, at Ebebe Junction on August 16 after hoodlums allegedly attacked a police officer and abducted her.
One suspect, identified as Stephen Job, was arrested in connection with the incident, with police recovering one locally made pistol, 13 live cartridges, a black mask, gloves and charms from him. The command said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects linked to the incident.
The commissioner said the command also successfully policed the August 22 local government elections and was fully prepared for the commencement of gubernatorial campaign activities on September 9, 2026.
She attributed the command’s recent successes to intelligence-led policing and sustained engagement with stakeholders, particularly in addressing land-related 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,” Okafor warned.
She urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities to the command’s 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.
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