The police command in Enugu has apprehended 18-year-old Ikediekpere Obodoagu for kidnapping and murdering his five-year-old cousin, Wisdom Obodoagu.

This was disclosed in a statement by the police on Wednesday.

The command’s spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the suspect’s accomplice, Sunday Michael, 24, a security guard at 9th Mile Corner, Enugu, was also detained.

He said the suspects were apprehended on August 11 and 12 by operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad. According to him, the child was first reported missing on July 26.

Mr Ndukwe said investigations revealed that the prime suspect used his accomplice to demand ₦1 million ransom from the victim’s father, in a bid to conceal his identity.

He added that when the ransom was not paid, the suspect murdered the child and buried him in a bush near their residence in Okinitor, Amankwo-Ngwo, Udi LGA.

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime,” Mr Ndukwe stated.

He further disclosed that the prime suspect later led operatives to the site where the child’s remains were exhumed in the presence of medical personnel, including a doctor, who certified him dead.

Police commissioner Mamman Giwa commiserated with the bereaved family and assured them that the suspects would be prosecuted.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to detecting heinous crimes and ensuring justice.

(NAN)