AWKA – The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old man, Ifeanyi Ekemezie, over his alleged involvement in kidnapping and car snatching activities in Awka and its environs.
The Command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a press statement on Tuesday.
According to Ikenga, the suspect was arrested in the early hours of February 17, 2026, by operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Awkuzu at Isuaniocha.
Confession and Gang Activities
During interrogation, Ekemezie allegedly confessed to being a member of a three-man criminal gang specializing in kidnapping and car theft around Awka. He was also said to have admitted involvement in cult-related activities.
Police further linked him to a previous arrest involving Ndubuisi Anyakaku, 33, whose bank account was allegedly used to receive ₦1 million ransom from a kidnapping victim in Awka.
Details of the December Attack
The case stems from an incident on December 31, 2025, when a victim was reportedly attacked, robbed, and kidnapped at his residence in Amansea.
During the attack, the victim’s Toyota Highlander SUV was taken, and ₦3 million was allegedly transferred from his bank account. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was later abandoned at an undisclosed location before being rescued.
Ongoing Investigation
The Police Command stated that the arrest forms part of an ongoing investigation into conspiracy, cultism, armed robbery, and kidnapping in Awka and surrounding communities.
Authorities said efforts have been intensified to apprehend other members of the gang who are currently at large and to recover operational weapons. The Command assured the public that further updates would be communicated as the investigation progresses.
