The Anambra State Police Command has stopped a suspected kidnap attempt, rescued a victim, and arrested a 66-year-old man named Kenneth Nnaji. He is accused of being part of a criminal group that tricks people into giving them money in Awka and nearby areas.
The police say Nnaji is part of a three-man gang that specializes in cheating unsuspecting people through careful deception in Anambra and Enugu states.
Tochukwu Ikenga, the Public Relations Officer for the command, shared this information in a statement on Tuesday. He mentioned that officers from the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu carried out the operation on July 11.
Ikenga said the suspect confessed during questioning and gave investigators useful details about how the group operates.
How the Scheme Works
The gang reportedly dresses in branded overalls and caps, pretending to be representatives of well-known companies. They trick victims into giving them goods under the pretense of collecting samples.
According to Ikenga, they then direct these victims to another location, claiming larger amounts of the goods are available at cheaper prices. In the end, the victims get cheated out of their money.
The statement says, “Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, on the evening of July 11, 2026, foiled a suspected kidnap plot, rescued a victim, and arrested one Kenneth Nnaji, aged 66, for his alleged involvement in a criminal syndicate specializing in obtaining money under false pretences in Awka.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly belongs to a three-man criminal syndicate that specializes in defrauding unsuspecting members of the public through elaborate deception across Anambra and Enugu states.
“The suspect, during interrogation, allegedly confessed to his involvement in the criminal enterprise and provided useful information on the group’s modus operandi.
Ongoing Investigations
“The syndicate reportedly disguises its members in branded overalls and caps while posing as representatives of reputable companies. They allegedly obtain goods from prospective victims under the guise of collecting samples and subsequently direct the victims to another location, claiming that larger quantities of the goods are available for purchase at heavily discounted prices.
“The victims are then allegedly defrauded through the fraudulent scheme.
“The suspect further identified other members of the syndicate as Christopher (surname yet to be ascertained), Jacob Musa, and Joseph (surname yet to be ascertained), all of whom are currently at large.”
Ikenga said the police are working hard to catch the other suspects and break up the group.
He also mentioned that the Anambra Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has advised the public to be careful and check the identities of anyone claiming to represent companies before doing business.
He said, “He further directed the investigating team to conduct a thorough investigation into the case, ensure the arrest of all fleeing suspects, recover the proceeds of the alleged fraud, and prosecute all those found culpable in accordance with the law.
“The suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
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