The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended two suspects in connection with a reported case of kidnapping, armed robbery, and attempted murder in Umudioka, Dunukofia Local Government Area.
Reports indicate that the two male suspects, Onele Solomon, also known as “Federal,” and Simeon Chidera, popularly called “Chaplet,” both aged 23, along with other members of their syndicate, are known for luring victims under the pretense of selling land.
Their arrest followed a report by their latest victim, who managed to escape from their hideout and alerted the police about their mode of operation.
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Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, stated on Wednesday that operatives of the Rapid Response Squad arrested the suspects in the early hours of the day.
Ikenga said, “Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad in the early hours of today June 25, 2025, arrested two suspects belonging to a kidnapping gang.
“The suspects were allegedly involved in a reported case of kidnapping, armed robbery, and attempted murder where the victim escaped from a criminal den, in Umudioka, Dunukofia Local Government Area.
“The two male suspects, Onele Solomon, a.k.a Federal, and Simeon Chidera, a.k.a Chaplet, both 23 years old and other syndicate members who are currently at large, specialise in luring their victims into believing they are selling land.
“The two suspects on May 31, 2025, abducted a victim, dispossessed him of his personal belongings, and inflicted life-threatening injuries on him with a machete.
“They also kept the victim in one of their criminal dens while demanding ransom from his family members and friends.
“Fortunately for the victim, he escaped from their den and was debriefed accordingly by the police operatives.”
He added that, following the confessions of the two suspects in custody, operatives have intensified onslaught operations to track down other members of the gang and dismantle their criminal network in the area.
