By Chizoba Njaka
The Anambra State Police Command has foiled a suspected kidnap plot, rescued a victim and arrested a 66-year-old suspect, Kenneth Nnaji, over his alleged involvement in a criminal syndicate specialising in obtaining money under false pretences in Awka.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on July 14 by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga in Awka. He stated that operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, carried out the operation on the evening of July 11 following actionable intelligence.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is allegedly a member of a three-man criminal syndicate believed to have been involved in defrauding unsuspecting members of the public through carefully orchestrated fraudulent schemes across Anambra and Enugu States.
The Police spokesperson disclosed that during interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted his involvement in the criminal operation and provided investigators with useful information regarding the syndicate’s mode of operation. The group reportedly disguises its members in branded overalls and caps while posing as representatives of reputable companies.
Under this guise, they allegedly persuade prospective victims to release goods as samples before directing them to another location with false claims of access to larger quantities of the goods at significantly discounted prices. Victims are then allegedly defrauded through the deceptive arrangement.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect identified other alleged members of the syndicate as Christopher (surname yet to be established), Jacob Musa and Joseph (surname yet to be established), all of whom remain at large. The Police Command stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, however, urged members of the public to remain vigilant and exercise caution by verifying the identities and credentials of individuals claiming to represent companies before entering into any business transactions.
He also directed the investigating team to conduct a comprehensive investigation, ensure the arrest of all fleeing suspects, recover the proceeds of the alleged fraud and prosecute everyone found culpable in accordance with the law. The Police Command added that the suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Chizoba Njaka is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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