The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested a man accused of staging his own kidnapping and allegedly extorting ₦1 million from his family after demanding a ₦25 million ransom.
The suspect, identified as Ajah Ikechukwu from Ngwogwo Community in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, allegedly disappeared before contacting his family and claiming that he had been kidnapped.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, disclosed this on Thursday, September 3, 2026, during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Abakaliki.
According to Okafor, the suspect allegedly demanded ₦25 million from his family and provided a bank account into which they eventually transferred ₦1 million.
She said the police launched an investigation following the report and subsequently arrested Ikechukwu.
“Following diligent investigation and intelligence gathering, the suspect was arrested. During interrogation, he confessed to having orchestrated the purported kidnapping and ransom demand,” Okafor said.
The commissioner warned that staging kidnappings and extorting unsuspecting family members under false pretences constituted serious criminal offences and would attract prosecution.
Meanwhile, Okafor disclosed that the command arrested 699 suspects, comprising 660 males and 39 females, in connection with 372 reported cases between April and August 2026.
She said 309 suspects had been charged in court in 162 cases, while investigations into the remaining cases were ongoing.
According to her, police operatives also recovered 31 assorted firearms, 33 rounds of ammunition, and three vehicles during the period.
Police Rescue Kidnap Victim
The commissioner further disclosed that police operatives rescued a kidnap victim, identified as Chigbo Lucy, at Ebebe Junction on August 16.
Lucy was allegedly abducted after hoodlums attacked a police officer at the location.
One suspect, identified as Stephen Job, was arrested in connection with the incident.
Police said one locally made pistol, 13 live cartridges, a black mask, gloves, and charms were recovered from him.
Okafor said efforts were ongoing to arrest other suspects linked to the incident.
The commissioner also said the command successfully provided security during the August 22 local government elections and was fully prepared for the commencement of gubernatorial campaign activities scheduled to begin on September 9, 2026.
She attributed the command’s recent successes to intelligence-led policing and sustained engagement with stakeholders, particularly in resolving land-related and farmer-herder disputes.
“We remain apolitical, impartial, and professional. We will not tolerate violence, intimidation, hate speech, or any act capable of threatening public peace,” Okafor warned.
She urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities to the command’s control room.
“It is our commitment to protect lives and property. There will be no haven for kidnappers, murderers, and other criminals in Ebonyi State,” she said.
