Anambra Police arrest soldier for faking own kidnap, nab three tricycle theft suspects in separate operations

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By Sunny A. David, Awka

The Anambra State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in two separate cases involving a serving army personnel and a suspected tricycle theft gang.

In the first case, Police operatives arrested 38-year-old Samuel Ekezie, a serving soldier with the 302 Artillery Regiment of the Nigerian Army, Onitsha in an attempt to extort ₦20 million from his family.

According to a statement by the Command’s Spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspect sent a distress message to his relatives on August 15, 2025, claiming he had been abducted and demanding a ransom for his release.

Following a technology-driven investigation, Police operatives tracked and apprehended Ekezie at a hideout in Rivers State on September’s 15, 2025.

He is currently in custody as investigations continue. The Command assured the public of its commitment to ensuring justice is served in the matter.

In a separate operation, the Police Command also arrested three suspected armed robbers involved in the theft of a commercial tricycle.

The incident occurred on Sunday, September 21, at around 2:20 p.m. near Isuaniocha Bridge in Awka North Local Government Area, where the suspects allegedly attacked a tricycle rider and stole his yellow tricycle, marked NZM 92 YH.

Responding swiftly to a distress call, operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad rescued the victim and rushed him to the hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.

Using technology-based tracking, the suspects were traced to Awarasi Village in Uga, Aguata LGA. They attempted to flee but were apprehended after a chase.

The arrested suspects were identified as Kosisochukwu Nweke (26), Emmanuel Eze (24), and Osondu Ifeanyi (20). The stolen tricycle was recovered during the operation.

SP Ikenga stated that investigations are ongoing to uncover more details about the gang’s operations, and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of the probe.

The Anambra State Police Command reiterated its resolve to maintain law and order, warning criminal elements that they will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.