The police command in Anambra State says it has arrested five suspects over the kidnapping and murder of one Chinedu Echezona, following sustained intelligence-led investigations by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu.

In a statement on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, Ikenga Tochukwu, said the suspects were arrested on Thursday at Omoba Phase II, Nkpor. 

The statement identified the suspects as Chidozie Francis, Kosisọchukwu Eziani, Akachukwu Maduabuchi, Chibuzor Onurah and Echezona Ude. 

It added that the operatives recovered the victim’s remains, his vehicle, a black Honda CR-V Jeep with Reg Number YAB 220 DM, and the ₦5 million ransom allegedly collected by the suspects.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was reported kidnapped in the early hours of 29th January 2026,” the statement said. 

According to the statement, 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. The police said the suspects collected ₦ 5 million.

It added that the suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime during the investigation.

“The suspects further allegedly admitted to killing him after collecting the ransom and revealed that two firearms were used in carrying out the operation,” the police added. 

The police said that at about noon on Saturday, 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,” the statement said. 

The commissioner of police, Nnanna Oji, assured residents that the command would continue to deploy intelligence-driven policing strategies to protect lives and property across the state.