The Enugu State Police Command has arrested two suspects, including an 18-year-old, for the alleged kidnapping and murder of a five-year-old boy in Udi Local Government Area of the state.
Police spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement on Wednesday, said the prime suspect, identified as Obodoagu Ikediekpere Wisdom, was nabbed alongside his accomplice, Sunday Michael, a 24-year-old security guard at 9th Mile, originally from Mayo-Belwa, Adamawa State.
The suspects were arrested on August 11 and 12, 2025, by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad following intelligence reports after a ransom demand was made.
According to the police, the child was reported missing on July 26. Investigations later revealed that Wisdom, a second cousin to the victim, conspired with Michael to demand ₦1 million ransom from the boy’s father. When the demand was not met, the suspect allegedly killed the child and buried him in a bush near their residence at Okinitor, Amankwo Ngwo, Udi LGA.
The statement added that both suspects confessed to the crime, with the prime suspect leading operatives to the scene where the body was exhumed in the presence of medical personnel.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has commiserated with the grieving family and assured that the suspects will be arraigned in court at the conclusion of investigations.
He further reiterated the Command’s commitment to detecting heinous crimes and ensuring justice for victims.