The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five male suspects in connection with the kidnapping and murder of one Chinedu Echezona, following sustained intelligence-led investigations by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu.
It was gathered that the victim was reportedly kidnapped in the early hours of January 29, 2026, after which the kidnap gang demanded a ransom of ₦20 million.
In a statement released on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspects were arrested at Omoba Phase II, Nkpor, Onitsha, on November 12, 2026.
Ikenga said the police also recovered the victim’s remains, his vehicle – a black Honda CR-V Jeep with Registration Number YAB 220 DM and the ₦5 million ransom allegedly collected by the suspects.
He listed the suspects as Chidozie Francis, 24; Kosisọchukwu Eziani, 28; Akachukwu Maduabuchi, 22; Chibuzor Onurah, 29; and Echezona Ude, 22.
The statement read, “The Anambra State Police Command has arrested five male suspects in connection with the kidnapping and murder of one Chinedu Echezona, following sustained intelligence-led investigations by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu.
“The suspects were arrested on November 12, 2026, at Omoba Phase II, Nkpor, Onitsha. The Command has also recovered the victim’s remains, his vehicle, a black coloured CR-V Honda Jeep with Reg. Number YAB 220 DM, and the ₦5 million ransom allegedly collected by the suspects.
“The suspects are Chidozie Francis, aged 24; Kosisọchukwu Eziani, aged 28; Akachukwu Maduabuchi, aged 22; Chibuzor Onurah, aged 29; and Echezona Ude, aged 22.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was reported kidnapped in the early hours of 29th January 2026. Initial investigative efforts, which extended to a neighbouring state, did not yield the desired breakthrough, as the armed gang reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦20 million.”
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According to Ikenga, during interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to their involvement in the crime, disclosing that they abducted the victim on January 29 and subsequently collected a ransom of ₦5 million.
“They further allegedly admitted to killing him after collecting the ransom and revealed that two firearms were used in carrying out the operation.
“In a significant development, at about noon on November 14, 2026, operatives, acting on information obtained from the suspects, led them to a location where the victim’s remains had been concealed.
“The remains were successfully recovered and deposited in a mortuary for preservation and necessary forensic examination,” he added.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Ama, has directed the operatives to intensify efforts towards recovering the two firearms allegedly used in the crime and establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Ama commended the operatives for their persistence, professionalism and commitment, particularly for ensuring that the case was not abandoned despite the considerable time that had elapsed since the victim’s abduction.
The CP further reiterated the command’s unwavering determination to pursue criminal elements, dismantle criminal networks and ensure that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice.
He assured residents that the command would continue to deploy intelligence-driven policing strategies to protect lives and property across the state.
