Anambra Police arrest two suspects over kidnapping, armed robbery and attempted murder after victim escapes and reports the gang’s land-sale scam
Anambra kidnapping suspects have been arrested following a daring escape by their victim, leading police to a gang allegedly behind a spate of violent crimes in Umudioka, Dunukofia Local Government Area.
Also read: Police Begin Intensive Manhunt For Anambra Cops Killers
The suspects, Onele Solomon, also known as “Federal”, and Simeon Chidera, alias “Chaplet”, both aged 23, were apprehended in the early hours of Wednesday by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad.
The Anambra State Police Command said the two men were part of a syndicate notorious for luring victims with fake land-sale offers before abducting, robbing and assaulting them.
Their latest victim survived a brutal attack and escaped captivity, enabling the police to trace and arrest the suspects.
Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Wednesday, describing the case as one involving kidnapping, armed robbery and attempted murder.
He noted that the suspects had inflicted life-threatening machete injuries on the victim while holding him hostage in a hideout and demanding ransom from his family.
“The suspects were allegedly involved in a reported case of kidnapping, armed robbery, and attempted murder where the victim escaped from a criminal den,” Ikenga stated. “They specialise in luring their victims into believing they are selling land.”
The incident occurred on 31 May 2025, when the victim was abducted, stripped of his belongings, and subjected to torture while ransom demands were issued.
The escape, however, broke the gang’s cover and prompted swift police action.
According to the police, further operations are underway to track down other members of the gang who remain at large. The command said it is committed to dismantling the criminal network and ensuring community safety.
“The operatives have activated onslaught operations, given the confessions of the two suspects currently in custody,” Ikenga added.
Also read: Police Arrest Teenager For Raping Male Fowl In Anambra
The arrests mark another step in the police’s ongoing crackdown on criminal groups exploiting land deals and other fraudulent tactics to target unsuspecting residents.
