Police: Man K!lls 5-Year-Old Cousin After Parents Fail to Pay Rans0m
Police: Man Kills 5-Year-Old Cousin After Parents Fail to Pay Ransom
The Enugu State Police Command has apprehended two individuals suspected of being involved in the kidnapping and murder of a five-year-old boy in Udi Local Government Area.
In a statement released on Wednesday, police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe identified the suspects as 18-year-old Ikediekpere Obodoagu and 24-year-old Sunday Michael.
As stated, Obodoagu, the primary suspect, is accused of collaborating with Michael to commit the atrocious crime that has stunned the local community.
The victim, Wisdom, was the cousin of the prime suspect. They come from Okinitor village in Amankwo Ngwo, a community located in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu.
The supposed accomplice works as a security guard at 9th Mile and hails from the Mayo-Belwa Local Government Area in Adamawa State, located in Nigeria’s northeast region.
Mr. Ndukwe stated that the victim was reported missing on July 26, 2025. Following this, the prime suspect enlisted an accomplice to demand a ransom of N1 million from the victim’s father.
The police spokesperson explained that the prime suspect enlisted an accomplice to demand ransom in order to conceal his identity.
He stated that the suspects were apprehended on August 11 and 12, 2025, by officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad. This action followed intelligence obtained after reports of ransom demands.
He stated, “After the ransom was not paid, the suspect killed the child and buried him in a bush close to their home in Okinitor, Amankwo Ngwo, Udi Local Government Area.”
Mr. Ndukwe recounted that during questioning, the suspects admitted to the crime. Subsequently, the main suspect guided officers to the location where they unearthed the victim’s body in front of medical staff, including a doctor who confirmed that the child was deceased.
Mr. Ndukwe stated that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Bitrus Giwa, has expressed condolences to the grieving family and assured them that once investigations are concluded, the suspects will be brought to court.
Mr. Giwa emphasized that the state’s police force is dedicated to identifying and preventing serious crimes, as well as ensuring justice throughout the state.
