The Enugu State Police Command has arrested an 18-year-old, Mr Obodoagu Ikediekpere Wisdom, for allegedly kidnapping and murdering his five-year-old cousin after a failed attempt to extort ₦1 million from the child’s parents.
The suspect, who buried the victim in a bush close to their residence, was apprehended alongside his accomplice, Mr Sunday Michael, a 24-year-old security guard from Adamawa State.
Police spokesperson for the Command, Mr Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed in a statement that operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad carried out the arrests on 11 and 12 August 2025, acting on credible intelligence after the ransom demands were reported.
“The child was reported missing on 26 July 2025. Investigations revealed that the prime suspect, Mr Wisdom, kidnapped his five-year-old cousin and used his accomplice, Mr Michael, to make ransom calls demanding ₦1,000,000 from the victim’s father in order to conceal his identity. When the ransom was not paid, the suspect killed the child and buried him in a bush at Okinitor, Amankwo Ngwo, Udi Local Government Area,” the statement read.
During interrogation, both suspects confessed to the crime, and the prime suspect led operatives to the site where he buried the victim. The body was exhumed in the presence of medical personnel, including a doctor, who confirmed the child’s death.
Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Bitrus Giwa, expressed condolences to the grieving family and assured that the suspects would be arraigned once investigations are completed.
He also restated the Command’s determination to identify and suppress violent crime across the state.