In a disturbing breakthrough, the Anambra State Police Command has arrested two members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate believed to be behind the abduction of three Cameroonian women a case now feared to have taken a tragic turn after unidentified female bodies were found near the kidnappers’ hideout.
The suspects, Nonso Augustine Akpeh (37) and Kingsley Akpeh (44), were arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, days after the victims were declared missing in Onitsha on November 10 while on a business trip.
Police recovered a pump-action gun, a locally fabricated double-barrel firearm, and ten live cartridges from the suspects.
According to relatives, the kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million, later accepting ₦2.9 million, but still refused to release the victims. During interrogation, the suspects named Uchenna Nicholas Mmadu as an accomplice and led operatives to multiple bush locations in Anam Community where the victims were allegedly held.
Tension escalated when locals informed police that three unidentified female corpses were seen floating in a river in the same area about five days earlier. Police say the bodies are strongly suspected to be those of the kidnapped Cameroonian women, though recovery efforts are ongoing.
One of the arrested suspects, Kingsley Akpeh, attempted to escape during the operation but was shot in the leg and re-arrested.
Police spokesperson SP Ikenga Tochukwu confirmed that investigations have intensified to recover the victims’ bodies, apprehend the fleeing accomplice, and dismantle the entire criminal network.
The Command reassured residents of its unwavering commitment to tackling kidnapping and violent crime across the state.