Police in Anambra State has arrested a 24-year-old man, Victor Muanaenye, for allegedly masterminding the abduction of his friend and collecting a ransom of ₦5.3 million.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the spokesman of the command in Anambra, SP Tochuwku Ikenga on Sunday.
He said the suspect conspired with members of a kidnapping ring to carry out the crime.
While the identity of the victim and the exact date of the incident were not disclosed, the police assured the general public that investigations are ongoing and that efforts are being intensified to arrest the remaining gang members.
Ikenga said operatives from Uli Divisional Police Headquarters arrested Mr Muanaenye on Thursday evening after receiving a tip-off about the incident.
Mr Ikenga said the suspect allegedly planned the kidnapping of his unnamed friend and collected the ransom before the victim was released.
“The suspect, during interrogation, confessed to having planned the kidnapping plot by luring his friend to escort him to see another friend.
“Victor and his criminal gang allegedly abducted their friend, and to avoid suspicion, Victor pretended to have been kidnapped by his criminal gang,” he stated.
The police image maker said the suspect was already cooperating with the police by providing useful information that would help in tracking down the fleeing members of the gang.
He said the suspect would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of the investigation.
“The Command remains committed towards improving safety and security in the state,” he said.