Police arrests couple over threat messages in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command has taken into custody a married couple, Kingsley Okoye, 36, and Chidinma Okoye, 27, for alleged threat messages and attempted kidnapping.

According to the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the police command’s spokesperson, Mr. Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement issued on Friday, stated that the couple, before arrested, specialized in sending abduction threats via text messages, demanding ransom with the threat of kidnapping or murder if their demands were not met.

According to Ikenga, the suspects were arrested on Friday, in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, by a joint security force comprising police and vigilante operatives, who relied on technology-driven intelligence to effect the arrest.

He stated that the suspects made a confession, admitting to the crime and revealing that they had destroyed some of the SIM cards used to carry the criminal operation.

The statement read: “The Anambra State Police Command has launched an investigation into a recent voice note trending online, detailing a victim’s narrow escape from abduction by a suspected security operative.

“In response to reports of abduction threats via text messages and voice notes, a joint security operation arrested Kingsley Okoye (36) and Chidinma Okoye (27) in Ozubulu, Anambra State.”

“The operation also resulted in the seizure of phones and SIM cards.”

“According to investigations, the couple specialized in sending threatening messages, demanding ransom, and threatening abduction or murder.”

“They confessed to the crimes and admitted to destroying some of the SIM cards used.”

“The state Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the anti-kidnapping/robbery squad for thorough investigations, after which the accused will be charged to court.”

“The command took the information seriously and promptly activated its intelligence tools to identify the suspects and prevent further incidents.”

In a related development, Ikenga disclosed that the command is investigating a voice note regarding a security report, in which a victim escaped abduction by a suspected security operative.

Know about threat message issuance in Nigeria

Threat message issuance is a significant concern in Nigeria, with many individuals and organizations falling victim to these menacing messages.

Threat messages are common in Nigeria, with many people receiving threatening calls, texts, or messages on social media platforms.

People who issue threat messages on phones often use various tactics to carry out their activities.

How do they operate?

The people behind this criminal act usually use unregistered or stolen SIM cards, making it difficult for authorities to track them.

They send threatening messages or make calls, demanding money, personal information, or other forms of compliance.

The criminals often use fear and intimidation to manipulate their victims into complying with their demands.

They may pose as law enforcement, government officials, or other authoritative figures to gain credibility.

In some cases, they might be part of a larger network or syndicate, working together to carry out their activities.

In addition, they employ various technologies, such as caller ID spoofing or voice changers, to disguise their identities and locations.

To evade detection, they frequently change their methods, phone numbers, and other identifying characteristics.

Caution

It’s essential for individuals to be cautious when receiving suspicious calls or messages and to report such incidents to the authorities promptly.

Safety Tips

To minimize the risk of receiving threat messages, Nigerians can take the following precautions:

Be cautious when sharing personal information online.

Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication and block unknown numbers or contacts.

Report suspicious messages or calls to the authorities and avoid engaging with threatening messages or calls.

Reasons

From past records, confession made by arrested criminals, revealed many reasons behind the illegal act.

Some common reasons include financial gain (extortion), revenge or retaliation, intimidation or coercion, and political or ideological motivations.

Consequences

Receiving threat messages can have severe consequences, including emotional distress and anxiety, financial loss (in cases of extortion), damage to reputation or business, and physical harm or violence (in extreme cases).

Law enforcement response

The Nigerian Police Force and other law enforcement agencies have taken steps to address the issue of threat messages.

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