Police detectives in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State have arrested a man, Ajah Ikechukwu, of Ngwogwo Community, Ishiagu in Ivo Local Government Area, for allegedly staging self kidnap and extorting ransom from his family.
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The State Commissioner of Police, Hope Urunwa Okafor, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Abakaliki.
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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.
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“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.
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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.”
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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.
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“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.
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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.
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The Command successfully policed the August 22 LGA elections and said it is fully prepared for gubernatorial campaigns starting September 9, 2026.
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Okafor said the successes were achieved through intelligence-led policing and stakeholder engagements to curb land and farmer-herder disputes.
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“We remain apolitical, impartial and professional. We will not tolerate violence, intimidation, hate speech or any act capable of threatening public peace,” she warned.
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She urged residents to report suspicious activities to the Command Control Room on 07064515001.
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“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.
