FCT Police Bust Kidnap Ring, Arrest 6 Suspects, Recover ₦8.25 Million Ransom
Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have arrested six suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered ₦8.25 million allegedly paid as ransom for the release of a female victim abducted in Abuja.
Security sources disclosed that the operation was executed by detectives attached to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) following a distress report received on June 29, indicating that a young woman had been kidnapped in the Maitama area of the FCT.
According to the sources, the abductors initially demanded a ₦20 million ransom but later agreed to accept ₦8.25 million before releasing the victim on July 3. Intelligence gathering and digital tracking subsequently led investigators to Kwan-Kwashe Village in neighbouring Niger State, where the victim had reportedly been held captive.
The sources said police operatives maintained surveillance after the victim’s release, culminating in the arrest of six suspects on July 5 in Suleja, Niger State.
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The suspects were identified as Ifeoma Nnamchi, 35, believed to be the leader of the syndicate; Peter Rasheed Onwunumah, 40; Olanipekun Anuoluwa, 46; Jemimah Monday, 25; Gabriel Nnamchi, 14; and Stanley Nnamchi, 17.
During the operation, detectives recovered the entire ₦8.25 million ransom, two vehicles—a Toyota Corolla and a Toyota Camry—a cutlass, seven pairs of AirPods, assorted jewellery suspected to have been stolen from previous victims, five mobile phones, and a laptop.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the alleged gang leader, Ifeoma Nnamchi, and another suspect, Olanipekun Anuoluwa, had previously been arrested by the FCT Police Command in 2022 and 2019, respectively, for similar offences.
Investigators also believe the syndicate had been operating along the Kubwa Expressway, Maitama Federal Housing Road, and other parts of the FCT since 2024. Police said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the network and determine the full extent of the group’s criminal activities.Alternative headline options:
By PRNigeria
