The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspects over the kidnap and murder of one Chinedu Echezona and recovered his remains, his vehicle and the ₦5 million ransom allegedly collected from the family.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, said the suspects were arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu following sustained intelligence-led investigations.
According to Ikenga Tochukwu, “The suspects were arrested on 12th November 2026 at Omagba Phase II, Nkpor, Onitsha. The Command has also recovered the victim’s remains, his vehicle, a black colored CR-V Honda Jeep with Reg. Number YAB 220 DM and the ₦5 million ransom allegedly collected by the suspects.”
He gave the names of the suspects as Chidozie Francis, aged 24; Kosisochukwu Eziani, aged 28; Akachukwu Maduabuchi, aged 22; Chibuzor Onurah, aged 29; and Echezona Ude, aged 22.
Ikenga disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was kidnapped in the early hours of 29th January 2026.
“Initial investigative efforts, which extended to a neighbouring state, did not yield the desired breakthrough, as the armed gang reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦20 million,” Ikenga stated.
He said during interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime.
“During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to their involvement in the crime, disclosing that they abducted the victim on 29th January 2026 and subsequently collected a ransom of ₦5 million. They further allegedly admitted to killing him after collecting the ransom and revealed that two firearms were used in carrying out the operation,” the PPRO said.
Ikenga Tochukwu added that operatives recovered the victim’s remains after acting on information provided by the suspects.
“In a significant development, at about noon on 14th November 2026, operatives, acting on information obtained from the suspects, led them to a location where the victim’s remains had been concealed. The remains were successfully recovered and deposited in a mortuary for preservation and necessary forensic examination,” he said.
He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, has directed operatives to intensify efforts towards recovering the two firearms used in the crime.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has directed the operatives to intensify efforts towards recovering the two firearms allegedly used in the crime and establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident. He commended the operatives for their persistence, professionalism and commitment, particularly for ensuring that the case was not abandoned despite the considerable time that had elapsed since the victim’s abduction,” Ikenga quoted the CP as saying.
Ikenga further said, “The CP further reiterated the Command’s unwavering determination to pursue criminal elements, dismantle criminal networks and ensure that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice. He assured residents that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence-driven policing strategies to protect lives and property across the state.”
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