The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five suspects over the alleged kidnapping and murder of Chinedu Echezona, recovering his remains, a Honda CR-V vehicle and ₦5 million ransom reportedly collected by the suspects.
The arrests followed intelligence-led investigations by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, who apprehended the suspects on November 12, 2026, at Omoba Phase II, Nkpor, Onitsha.
The suspects were identified as Chidozie Francis, 24; Kosisọchukwu Eziani, 28; Akachukwu Maduabuchi, 22; Chibuzor Onurah, 29; and Echezona Ude, 22.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, preliminary investigations revealed that Echezona was kidnapped in the early hours of January 29, 2026.
The police said initial efforts to track down the kidnappers, including investigations in a neighbouring state, did not yield the desired breakthrough, as the gang reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦20 million.
However, during interrogation, the five suspects allegedly confessed to participating in the abduction, disclosing that they collected ₦5 million from the victim’s relatives before subsequently killing him.
The suspects also reportedly revealed that two firearms were used in carrying out the operation.
In a major breakthrough, police operatives, acting on information provided by the suspects, recovered Echezona’s remains from a location where they had allegedly been concealed.
The recovery took place at about noon on November 14, 2026, after which the remains were deposited in a mortuary for preservation and forensic examination.
The police also recovered the victim’s black Honda CR-V Jeep with registration number YAB 220 DM, alongside the ₦5 million allegedly collected as ransom.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the operatives for their persistence, professionalism and commitment, particularly for ensuring that the investigation continued despite the lengthy period since the victim’s abduction.
He directed the operatives to intensify efforts to recover the two firearms allegedly used in the crime and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The commissioner reiterated the command’s determination to dismantle criminal networks and ensure that those responsible for violent crimes are brought to justice.
He also assured residents that the police would sustain intelligence-driven operations to protect lives and property across Anambra State.
The police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement dated November 15, 2026.
