Anambra Police Nabs 66-Year-Old Over Elaborate Fraud Syndicate

Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have successfully thwarted a suspected kidnap attempt, rescued a victim, and apprehended Kenneth Nnaji, a 66-year-old man. Nnaji is allegedly linked to a criminal group notorious for obtaining money through deceitful means in Awka and its surrounding areas.

According to the command's Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspect is believed to be part of a three-man syndicate specializing in defrauding unsuspecting members of the public using elaborate schemes across both Anambra and Enugu states. The operation, conducted by officers from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Awkuzu, took place on the evening of July 11.

Ikenga stated that Nnaji reportedly confessed during his interrogation, providing investigators with crucial details regarding the group's operations. The syndicate's modus operandi involves its members donning branded overalls and caps, presenting themselves as representatives of reputable companies. They allegedly obtain goods from potential victims under the guise of collecting samples. Following this, victims are directed to another location with the promise of larger quantities of goods available at significantly reduced prices, where they are ultimately defrauded.

The official statement from the police detailed the incident: “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 specialising in obtaining money under false pretences in Awka. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly belongs to a three-man criminal syndicate that specialises 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. 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.”

Efforts are currently underway to track down the remaining suspects and dismantle the entire syndicate, Ikenga confirmed. The Anambra Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has urged the public to exercise caution and verify the identities and credentials of individuals claiming to represent companies before engaging in any business transactions. He also instructed the investigating team to conduct a thorough inquiry, ensure the arrest of all absconding suspects, recover any proceeds from the alleged fraud, and prosecute all culpable individuals in line with the law. Nnaji is expected to be charged in court once investigations are concluded.