23-Year-Old Woman Arrested In Connection With ₦24 Million Robbery, SUV Theft And Abduction Of Businessman In Anambra

 

A 23-year-old woman identified as Okonkwo Onyinye has been arrested by the Anambra State Police Command for her alleged role in the abduction and robbery of a businessman in Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Umuoji, located within Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The crime reportedly involved the theft of ₦24 million and the victim’s Toyota Highlander SUV.

The arrest was confirmed by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who revealed that the suspect was apprehended through a joint operation between Police operatives and members of the Agunechemba Security outfit. The collaboration, according to Ikenga, was part of a broader effort to curb violent crimes and criminal networks operating within Anambra State.

According to the Police statement, the operation leading to Onyinye’s arrest took place in the early hours of October 27, 2025, following credible intelligence tracing the movement of the armed gang responsible for the attack. The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, was allegedly ambushed at Nkwelle GRA Gate by a group of five armed men traveling in a Toyota Corolla. The assailants reportedly forced him into the boot of his own vehicle before speeding off toward Umuoji Town.

After reaching a secluded area, the victim was dumped in the bush and abandoned by the attackers, who then made away with his mobile phone, transferred ₦24 million from his bank account, and escaped with his Toyota Highlander SUV. The ordeal left the businessman traumatized, though he managed to contact security operatives shortly after the incident.

SP Ikenga disclosed that the Police team, supported by community security personnel, swung into action immediately after receiving the distress report. Utilizing technologically driven intelligence, the operatives traced the stolen SUV’s movement from Nawfia to Ogidi, where the suspects reportedly engaged the security team in a gun battle. During the confrontation, the armed hoodlums fled, abandoning the stolen vehicle.

The Police spokesperson confirmed that the white Toyota Highlander, with registration number RBC 649 CN, was recovered intact. The breakthrough came when Okonkwo Onyinye, who was allegedly part of the criminal gang, was arrested at the scene. The suspect is said to be cooperating with detectives, providing valuable information that could lead to the arrest of other fleeing members of the gang.

Ikenga explained that the investigation remains ongoing, with multiple units of the Command now involved in tracking down the remaining suspects. He assured that efforts are being intensified to dismantle all networks connected to the robbery and kidnapping operation.

“The suspect is currently assisting Police detectives with credible information that will aid in the arrest of her accomplices,” Ikenga stated. He further noted that the Anambra Police Command is maintaining heightened surveillance and operational presence across the state as part of its pre-election security measures ahead of the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025.

The Police spokesman also emphasized the significance of community collaboration in crime prevention, commending members of the Agunechemba Security outfit for their swift and coordinated response. He urged residents to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities within their environments, reiterating that collective vigilance plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety.

Residents of the area expressed relief following news of Onyinye’s arrest and the recovery of the stolen SUV. Several locals described the incident as one of the most daring robberies in recent months, highlighting the growing sophistication of criminal gangs targeting high-value individuals in urban and semi-urban parts of Anambra.

The development has also sparked renewed discussions on the role of young women in emerging crime trends, with many questioning how individuals as young as 23 are becoming involved in violent and organized criminal activities. Security experts have called for a more comprehensive approach that combines community policing, intelligence gathering, and youth-focused rehabilitation programs to reduce the lure of crime.

As investigations continue, authorities remain confident that the remaining suspects will soon be apprehended. The Anambra State Police Command has reassured the public that no effort will be spared in ensuring justice for the victim and restoring confidence in the security architecture of the state.

The case of Okonkwo Onyinye stands as another reminder of the growing challenges facing law enforcement in tackling sophisticated crimes, even as technology and community cooperation continue to play an increasingly decisive role in tracking offenders.