Ritualist and Informant: Inside the Gruesome World of a Notorious Anambra Kidnap Syndicate

 

A major breakthrough in the fight against violent crime in Anambra State has been recorded following the arrest of two suspected members of a kidnapping gang that had terrorized communities across the region. Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad and Anti-Kidnapping Unit, under the Anambra State Police Command, apprehended 52-year-old Celestine Onuyia and 45-year-old Jacinta Okolo Udenka at their base in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, on Saturday, April 13.

Confirming the arrest in a statement released on Sunday, April 20, Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga revealed that the suspects were caught following a targeted operation based on actionable intelligence. The two individuals are believed to be deeply entrenched in a criminal syndicate notorious for kidnappings, illegal possession of arms, and the use of fetish practices to evade arrest and manipulate their victims.

A subsequent search of the suspects’ hideout unearthed a disturbing cache of weapons. Law enforcement recovered one pump-action shotgun, seven single-barrel dane guns, and twenty-eight live cartridges. The discovery, authorities believe, paints a grim picture of the group’s readiness for violent encounters and their investment in sustaining criminal activity over time.

Following their arrest, both suspects were subjected to intense interrogation. During the process, additional intelligence was extracted that led operatives to another location — a hidden base in Omasi, within the Ayamelum Local Government Area. This second location proved to be another arms dump, where two AK-47 rifles and two empty magazines were retrieved.

The police have linked the duo to a kidnapping case that took place in Nnewi in July 2024, where the gang reportedly abducted a victim and only released them after collecting a hefty ransom of ₦17.5 million. This development adds further weight to the investigation, and authorities are optimistic about unravelling the full network of accomplices connected to this criminal ring.

Investigators allege that Celestine Onuyia operated as a native doctor within the gang. His role went far beyond traditional practices. According to police findings, he supplied mystical charms purportedly used to ward off security operatives and instill fear in their captives. Additionally, he served as the custodian of weapons, concealing the arms within his shrine and home to avoid suspicion from authorities.

His partner in crime, Jacinta Okolo Udenka, is believed to have functioned as the syndicate’s primary informant. Described by police as calculating and meticulous, she reportedly gathered detailed information on potential victims — tracking their movements, financial capacity, and security vulnerabilities before handing over the intel to the operational members of the gang.

The arrest of these two individuals marks a significant win for security forces and brings renewed hope to residents of Anambra State, who have long endured the trauma of kidnappings and criminal intimidation. Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has since reaffirmed the state command’s resolve to see this case through to its logical conclusion. He emphasized that the police remain committed to rooting out criminals and dismantling dangerous networks that threaten the peace and safety of law-abiding citizens.

While investigations remain ongoing, SP Tochukwu Ikenga assured the public that more arrests are expected in the coming days as authorities follow up on leads provided by the suspects. The command is also calling on the public to volunteer any relevant information that could aid the investigation, promising confidentiality and swift action.

This development sends a strong message to criminal elements across the state — that Anambra is no longer a safe haven for illicit activity. Through continued intelligence gathering, community cooperation, and relentless policing, the command aims to reclaim the state from the grip of criminal gangs and restore lasting peace to its towns and villages.