Crime
Police In Anambra Bust Kidnapping & Armed Robbery Syndicate, Arrest Native Doctor
In a significant operation, the police in Anambra State have apprehended a native doctor and his accomplice for allegedly running a kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate. The arrests, which took place on November 22, 2024, were made after a rescued victim provided critical testimony that led to the discovery of the criminal operation.
According to the state police spokesperson, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, the joint security forces, including the police and Anambra Vigilante Group, raided the shrine of the native doctor located in Uru, Abagana. During the operation, two suspects, Maduabuchukwu Ikechukwu Okafor (30) and Nweze Chijindu (38), both natives of Abagana, were arrested. A pump-action rifle, the victim’s vehicle, ropes, a horsewhip, and other incriminating materials were recovered from the scene.
The police are still on the hunt for two other members of the syndicate, Supuluchukwu Nweze and Sunday Nwakanze, both of whom remain at large. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the victim was lured to the location through a phone call allegedly made by Nwakanze. Once at the scene, the victim was abducted at gunpoint, robbed of his valuables, and taken to the shrine where he was restrained and gagged.
The suspects have reportedly confessed to their involvement in the crime and are currently assisting law enforcement with information that could lead to the capture of other gang members.
SP Ikenga reaffirmed the commitment of the police to ensuring the safety of residents, stating that efforts will continue to dismantle criminal operations in the state.