‘How Enugu man kidnapped, killed 5-year-old cousin in quest for N1m ransom’

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

An 18-year-old Enugu man identified as Obodoagu Ikediekpere Wisdom has been arrested for the kidnapping, killing a five- year old boy who was his second cousin, Obodoagu Wisdom, after his failure to extort N1 million ransom from his victim’s parents.

He also secretly buried his victim after the gruesome murder.

According to a statement by Daniel Ndukwe, the spokesperson on Enugu Police Command, Wisdom was arrested alongside his accomplice, Sunday Michael, a 24-year-old security guard from Adamawa State.

According to the statement, Wisdom after kidnapping the 5-year-old boy used his accomplice to demand ₦1,000,000 ransom from the victim’s father using his accomplice, Michael. However, when he parents refused to respond to his ransom demand, he killed and buried the child in a bush near their residence in Okinitor, Amankwo Ngwo, Udi LGA of the state.

Following his arrest, the suspect, according to the police statement, Wisdom confessed to the crime and led operatives to where he buried the child.

The victim’s body was exhumed in the presence of medical personnel, including a doctor, who certified the child dead.

The Police statement partly reads: “His accomplice, Sunday Michael (male, aged 24), a security guard at 9th Mile and native of Mayo-Belwa LGA of Adamawa State, was also arrested. The suspects were apprehended on 11th and 12th August 2025 by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad, following intelligence gathered after ransom demands were reported.

“The child was first reported missing on 26th July 2025. Investigations revealed that the prime suspect used his accomplice to demand ₦1,000,000 ransom from the victim’s father, in an attempt to disguise his identity. When the ransom went unmet, the suspect murdered the child and buried him in a bush near their residence in Okinitor, Amankwo Ngwo, Udi LGA.

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime. The prime suspect thereafter led operatives to the scene, where the victim’s body was exhumed in the presence of medical personnel, including a doctor, who certified the child dead.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, has commiserated with the bereaved family and assured that the suspects will be arraigned upon conclusion of investigations. He reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to detecting heinous crimes and ensuring justice”.