Anambra Police Arrest Soldier for Allegedly Staging Own Kidnap to Extort Family

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a serving soldier accused of f@king his own kidnapping in an attempt to extort N20 million from his family.

The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Samuel Ekezie of the 302 Artillery Regiment, Nigerian Army, Onitsha, was apprehended on September 15, 2025, and is currently in custody.

Police spokesperson SP Ikenga Tochukwu confirmed that Ekezie allegedly staged the abduction to pressure relatives into paying a ransom. Investigators discovered that on August 15, 2025, he sent a text message to his family, claiming he had been kidnapped and demanding N20 million for his release.

Acting on technology-driven intelligence, operatives tracked him to a hideout in Rivers State, where he was arrested.

SP Tochukwu assured the public that the case is being thoroughly investigated and that justice will be served.