Notorious kidnapper linked to victim’s murder arrested after three years in hiding

The police in Anambra State, Nigeria’s South-east, say they have arrested a notorious kidnapper linked to the murder of an unnamed victim in 2023.

The police spokesperson in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said the suspect, Olisa Oyelu, was arrested on Wednesday by operatives attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department.

He said Mr Oyelu, a 25-year-old man popularly known as Obele, was part of a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping gang led by a suspected criminal known as “Pincode.”

The spokesperson said the armed criminal gang allegedly kidnapped and then murdered the victim in 2023.

He said Mr Oyelu was the last identified member of the gang to be arrested after the incident which prompted the suspect to remain in hiding for three years.

“The suspect is alleged to have been an active member of the gang involved in the kidnapping operation.

“Following the incident, the police commenced an extensive investigation aimed at identifying, arresting and prosecuting all persons connected with the crime.

“The Command at the conclusion of the investigative proceedings shall hand over Olisa Oyelu to the Correctional Centre where ‘Pincode’ and four others are already remanded awaiting the judgement of the court,” he said.

Mr Ikenga said the command believes that the arrest represents a significant development in the ongoing investigation.

He said the police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that all persons found to have participated in the crime were prosecuted.

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The spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Nnanna Ama, has commended the operatives for their perseverance, dedication and intelligence-led approach to the investigation.

Mr Ama assured Anambra residents that the police command would continue to pursue criminals within and outside the state until they were prosecuted.

The commissioner urged the residents to continue providing the police with “credible and timely information,” that can aid ongoing investigation.

The police chief reiterated that security remains a shared responsibility.