Odita Sunday 
Anambra Police Foil Suspected Kidnap Plot, Arrest 66-Year-Old, Uncover Alleged Fraud Syndicate
By Odita Sunday
Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have foiled a suspected kidnap plot, rescued an intended victim and arrested a 66-year-old suspect, Kenneth Nnaji, over his alleged involvement in a fraud syndicate operating across Anambra and Enugu states.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on behalf of the Anambra State Police Command.
According to the statement, officers attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, carried out the operation on the evening of July 11, 2026, leading to the rescue of the victim and the arrest of Nnaji.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly belongs to a three-man criminal syndicate that specialises in obtaining money from unsuspecting members of the public through elaborate deception.
Police said the suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation and provided investigators with useful information on the group’s mode of operation.
The syndicate was said to disguise its members in branded overalls and caps while posing as representatives of reputable companies. The suspects allegedly obtained goods from prospective victims under the pretext of collecting samples before directing them to another location, claiming larger quantities of the goods were available at heavily discounted prices. Victims were then allegedly defrauded through the scheme.
Further investigations identified other members of the syndicate as Christopher (surname yet to be ascertained), Jacob Musa, and Joseph (surname yet to be ascertained), who are currently on the run. Police said efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, urged residents to remain vigilant and verify the identities and credentials of individuals claiming to represent companies before engaging in business transactions.
The police commissioner also directed the investigating team to carry out a comprehensive investigation, ensure the arrest of all fleeing suspects, recover the proceeds of the alleged fraud and prosecute everyone found culpable in accordance with the law.
The Command added that Kenneth Nnaji will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
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