The Enugu State Police Command has arrested four suspects, including a 21-year-old man who staged his own kidnapping, in connection with a N2 million ransom scam. The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, Nsukka Sector, on May 24, 2025.
The suspects are: Chidera Godwin Ako (21), the self-proclaimed victim and mastermind, Okechukwu Philip Chidalu (19), Ifeanyi Ugwu (20), and Ossai Chigozie (35), a recently released ex-convict
A locally made single-barrel gun and two live cartridges were recovered during the operation.
According to police reports, Chidera was reported missing on May 4. On May 21, his accomplices used his phone to demand a N10 million ransom from his parents, sending a staged video showing him bound and appearing assaulted, with a gun pointed at him. The family paid N1.5 million on May 22, followed by another N500,000 after the suspects failed to release him.
Police operatives tracked and arrested the suspects at a POS terminal while they attempted to withdraw the funds. All four have confessed and will be charged upon conclusion of investigations.
Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, described the incident as “unfortunate” and has directed further investigations to uncover any additional accomplices. He urged the public to promptly report suspected kidnappings and to consult law enforcement before making ransom payments, noting that some cases may be fabricated.