The Enugu State Police Command has arrested two sisters, Juliet Chukwu and Ngozi Nancy Chukwu, for allegedly orchestrating the kidnapping of their elder brother, Mr. Friday Chukwu, and collecting a ransom of ₦30 million for his release.
The suspects, who are personnel of Nigerian security agencies—Juliet serving in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Ngozi in the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)—were said to have masterminded the abduction last month along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, near the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, in Nkanu West Local Government Area.
Sources familiar with the investigation revealed that the sisters arranged the abduction of their brother, a native of Amaeze village in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. He was later freed after the ransom was paid by family members.
Further investigations reportedly linked the suspects to the recent abduction of the General Manager of China Oriental Mining Company, Engineer Dennis Igwe, who was kidnapped in the same area earlier this week. A ₦10 million ransom was allegedly paid for his release.
The police apprehended the suspects at a hotel where they were allegedly caught attempting to share the ransom proceeds. Authorities say four other members of the syndicate are still on the run.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area, Chief Emmanuel Ajah, expressed shock over the incident and said he had written to both the Enugu State Police Command and the Ebonyi State Command of the NSCDC.
“Though the incidents occurred outside my jurisdiction, the safety and welfare of our people remain a top priority,” he stated.
Local sources allege that the sisters may be part of a wider criminal network operating in the Ishiagu area, with possible involvement in vandalism and collaboration with external criminal groups.
Police authorities say investigations are ongoing, and efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.
