Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a five-year-old child, Obodoagu Wisdom by his cousin.
NATIONAL POST recalls that Wisdom was kidnapped by his second cousin, one Obodoagu Ikediekpere, aged 18, who later killed and buried him within the neighbourhood.
In a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday, the police confirmed that the suspects involved in the crime had been arrested.
SP Daniel Ndukwe, Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command said in the statement that Ikediekpere’s 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.
“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”, Ndukwe said.
He further revealed that 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, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commiserated with the bereaved family and assured that the suspects will be arraigned upon conclusion of investigations.
