The Anambra Police Command has clarified that the self-kidnapped suspect, Samuel Ekezie, aged 38 years, is not a soldier but was handed over by the 302 Artillery Regiment, Nigerian Army, Onitsha.
The police public relations officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, a Superintendent of Police who issued the statement, had since called the attention of Nigerian journalists to correct the mistake in their stories.
In a bizarre twist of events, the Anambra State Police Command has taken custody of a 38-year-old man, Samuel Ekezie, who allegedly staged his own kidnapping in a desperate attempt to extort money from his family.
The handover occurred on the evening of Monday, September 15, 2025, when personnel of the 302 Artillery Regiment, Nigerian Army, Onitsha, transferred the suspect to police authorities for further investigation.
According to SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Anambra State Command, Ekezie orchestrated his fake abduction on August 15, 2025, sending a chilling ransom message to his family. In the message, he allegedly demanded ₦20 million for his supposed release.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspect went to great lengths to make his abduction appear real. However, technology-driven intelligence led to his arrest at his hideout in Rivers State,” Ikenga stated.
How the Fake Kidnap Unfolded
Sources within the investigation told this correspondent that Ekezie’s disappearance initially sparked panic among his family members, who quickly reported the incident to law enforcement. The family was said to have been under intense emotional pressure, while also facing the burden of raising the demanded ransom.
Unbeknownst to them, Ekezie was hiding out in Rivers State, carefully monitoring their reactions while waiting for payment. His plan unraveled after investigators deployed advanced tracking technology, which pinpointed his location and exposed the hoax.
Security operatives from the Nigerian Army were the first to make contact, apprehending him before handing him over to the police for comprehensive investigation and prosecution.
Police Vow Justice
The Anambra State Police Command has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure justice is served.
“This case highlights the consequences of abusing security resources and the trust of loved ones,” SP Ikenga emphasized. “The Command is committed to getting to the root of this matter and will prosecute the suspect to deter others from engaging in similar acts.
The police also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, while warning against false reports that divert critical resources away from genuine security threats.
Cases of self-kidnapping have been on the rise in parts of Nigeria, with perpetrators often seeking to exploit family ties for financial gain. Security analysts warn that such schemes not only strain family relationships but also undermine the fight against genuine kidnapping rings, which remain a serious national security challenge.
Ekezie remains in police custody as investigations continue. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether he acted alone or with accomplices, but insiders suggest that more arrests could follow as detectives dig deeper into the case.
The Anambra Police Command has assured the public that updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
