Police Foil Online-linked Kidnapping, Rescue Victim In Enugu

Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Sub-Unit of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) have successfully rescued a kidnapped male victim who was lured online, abducted, and compelled to pay a ransom of five hundred thousand naira (₦500,000.00).

A 27-year-old male suspect, Aniagboso Ugochukwu, identified as a member of the criminal syndicate, was arrested during the operation.

Spokeman of the police in Enugu, SP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the arrest of the suspect and rescue of the victim.

Ndukwe disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that the same syndicate had earlier lured and kidnapped another male victim, from whom they extorted a ransom of one hundred thousand naira (₦100,000.00) before releasing him.

He stated that furthermore investigations indicated that the suspect and his accomplices on the run, employ deceptive tactics on social media platforms by advertising fictitious job vacancies.

“Unsuspecting victims who indicate interest are directed to a meeting point at Eke Obinagu, Emene, Enugu. They are subsequently transported to a secluded location in Akpuoga Nike, Enugu, where they are held captive and threatened with crude weapons, including iron objects and wooden planks, while ransom is demanded from their families.

“The suspect confessed to the crime. He is currently in police custody and assisting ongoing investigations aimed at apprehending his fleeing accomplices, recovering the ransoms paid, and dismantling the criminal network.

“The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, mspsp, has urged members of the public to exercise due caution when engaging with online job offers and to verify the authenticity of such opportunities before taking further steps.

“He also encouraged citizens to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or contact the Command,” he stated.