Police arrest man, accomplice for murder of five-year-old cousin in Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested 18-year-old Obodoagu Ikediekpere Wisdom for the kidnapping and gruesome murder of his five-year-old male second cousin, Obodoagu Wisdom.

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.

According to a statement by SP Daniel Ndukwe, Police Public Relations Officer, State Headquarters, Enugu, the child was first reported missing on 26th July 2025. Investigations revealed that the prime suspect used his accomplice to demand N1,000,000 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, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has commiserated with the bereaved family and assured that the suspects will be arraigned upon conclusion of investigations.

He reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to detecting heinous crimes and ensuring justice.