The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a second suspect in connection with an alleged kidnapping, armed robbery and cult-related crime in Awka, where a ransom of ₦1 million was reportedly paid.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, said operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, arrested a 32-year-old man, Ifeanyi Ekemezie, in the early hours of February 17, 2026, at Isuaniocha in Awka North Local Government Area.
Ikenga explained that the arrest followed the earlier apprehension of 33-year-old Ndubuisi Anyakaku on February 13, 2026, whose bank account was allegedly used to receive the ₦1 million ransom from a kidnapped victim.
According to the police, the case is linked to an incident that occurred on December 31, 2025, when the victim was attacked at his residence in Amansea, Awka North LGA.
The statement noted that during the attack, the victim was robbed and kidnapped, while his Toyota Highlander jeep was taken away. It added that ₦3 million was also allegedly transferred from his bank account.
Ikenga further stated that the victim was shot in the leg before being abandoned at an unknown location, from where he was later rescued.
During interrogation, the police spokesman said Ekemezie confessed to being part of a three-man gang involved in kidnapping and car snatching within Awka and surrounding areas.
He also allegedly admitted to being a member of the Vikings Confraternity and participating in several cult-related killings in Awka.
Ikenga said the command had intensified efforts to arrest other fleeing members of the gang and recover their weapons, assuring that updates would be provided as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, PUNCH Online earlier reported that the command neutralised a 21-year-old suspected armed robber and cultist, identified as Chukwuka Solomon, during a separate security operation in the state.
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