By Chukwujekwu Ilozue

Copyright independent

The Anambra Police Command has clarified that the self-kidnapped suspect, Samuel Ekezie, aged 38 years, is not a soldier but was handed over by the Army.

The Daily Independent had reported that the suspect was a soldier, but that was wrong.

The police public relations officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, a Superintendent of Police who issued the statement, had since called the attention of the reporter to correct the mistake in the story.

The full statement read: “The Anambra State Police Command on the evening of 15th September 2025 took custody of one Samuel Ekezie, Male, 38 years, from the personnel of the 302 Artillery Regiment, Nigerian Army, Onitsha.

“The suspect allegedly staged his own kidnapping to extort money from his family members. Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspect had, on 15th August 2025, faked his own abduction and sent a text message to his family, demanding a ransom of twenty million naira (₦20,000,000) for his supposed release. Acting on a technology-driven intelligence, he was arrested in his harbour in Rivers State.

“Given the above, the Command assures diligent investigations into the Case to ensure that justice is served.”