Two Sisters in Uniform Nabbed for Orchestrating Brother’s Kidnap, Caught Sharing Ransom in Hotel, Linked to Wider Kidnap Network

 

A shocking criminal case has emerged from Enugu State, where two sisters, both members of Nigeria’s paramilitary agencies, have been arrested for allegedly masterminding the kidnap of their own brother. The suspects, Juliet Chukwu, an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and Ngozi Nancy Chukwu, attached to the Nigeria Immigration Service, are from Amaeze village in the Ishiagu community, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Their arrest followed weeks of investigation into the kidnapping of Mr. Friday Chukwu, their elder brother, who was abducted along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, near the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla. It was alleged that the two sisters collaborated with others still at large to stage the abduction and later secured a ransom of N30 million for their brother’s release.

Punch Newspaper reported on the arrest, noting that while both suspects claim ties to federal security agencies, independent verification of their official statuses was pending at the time of reporting. Their alleged involvement in this disturbing crime has cast a shadow over the integrity of the institutions they serve.

Sources revealed that the sisters lured their brother into a trap on the expressway. The victim, unaware of the plot, was kidnapped and held for ransom. Under pressure and emotional distress, the family reportedly paid N30 million to secure his freedom. Investigators claim the sisters used subtle manipulation and orchestrated the payment arrangements themselves.

Less than a month later, the two were linked to another high-profile abduction in the same vicinity. On Monday, July 14, 2025, Dennis Igwe, General Manager of China Oriental Mining Company, was kidnapped along the same expressway. After a N10 million ransom was raised by stakeholders and associates, a joint surveillance operation tracked the suspects to a hotel where they were allegedly splitting the ransom money.

Their arrest at the hotel ended what authorities believe was a spree of well-planned kidnappings, allegedly involving several accomplices. So far, four others reportedly part of the syndicate are still at large. Law enforcement agencies have launched a manhunt to apprehend the remaining suspects.

The news has drawn strong reactions from residents of Ebonyi State and beyond. Comrade Chika Nwoba, a prominent social media commentator, took to his platform to decry the situation. He described it as a clear sign of deep-seated rot within the ranks of security agencies. According to Nwoba, the suspects have long been suspected of involvement in multiple criminal activities around the Ishiagu area.

He pointed to reports linking them to kidnapping schemes conducted in collaboration with armed herders, theft and looting of railway infrastructure, pipeline vandalism, and other crimes that have plagued the community for years. Despite recurring accusations, the sisters had reportedly evaded justice several times. Nwoba expressed concerns that they might once again be allowed to walk free if decisive action is not taken.

Community leaders are also taking the matter seriously. Chief Emmanuel Ajah, Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area, confirmed the sisters’ arrest and expressed deep concern over the implications of their actions. Although the kidnappings occurred in neighboring Enugu State, Ajah said he had formally reached out to both the Enugu State Police Command and the Ebonyi State Command of the Civil Defence Corps.

Ajah emphasized that the suspects’ connection to his community has sparked a need for collective vigilance. He described the victim, Mr. Friday Chukwu, as a personal friend and a respected individual within the community. “We have taken steps to engage the appropriate authorities to ensure that justice is served. Even though the incidents happened outside our jurisdiction, our priority remains the safety and reputation of our people,” he stated.

This case highlights a growing concern over the involvement of uniformed personnel in organized crime. Calls have intensified for the NSCDC and the Nigeria Immigration Service to publicly investigate the conduct of their officers and enforce strict disciplinary actions where necessary.

The unfolding investigation is expected to reveal more about the syndicate’s operations and the extent of their involvement in past crimes. With four suspects still on the run, authorities say the case is far from over. However, with the arrest of the Chukwu sisters, one of the most disturbing betrayals of trust within a family and the security system may finally be exposed.