Foiled Like a Movie Scene: Anambra Police Rescue Kidnap Victims in Dramatic Nighttime Chase

In what eyewitnesses described as a scene straight out of an action movie, operatives of the Anambra State Police Command on Saturday night foiled a daring kidnap attempt in Neni, Anaocha Local Government Area, rescuing three victims, including a husband and wife.

The victims were reportedly ambushed at Okacha Junction by armed hoodlums who had been trailing their vehicles. The assailants forcibly transferred them into another car and attempted to flee the area, but a rapid response from the police derailed their plans.

“The incident happened on Saturday evening. The hoodlums double-crossed the victims’ vehicles and forced them into another car. It was like a commando film,” an eyewitness told reporters.

Confirming the incident in a press statement on Sunday, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, said the operatives acted swiftly after receiving a distress call at 8:45 p.m. on May 3, 2025.

“Police operatives attached to the Neni Divisional Headquarters responded swiftly… foiled a kidnap incident, rescued three victims, including a husband and wife, and recovered one of the victim’s vehicles from the scene,” Ikenga stated.

The fleeing assailants abandoned their captives and escaped in a different vehicle. A Black Lexus 350 SUV, with registration number ABJ 557 LD, reportedly snatched from one of the victims, was later recovered.

The rescue operation was further bolstered by the Joint Security Force, comprising Military personnel, Civil Defence operatives, and local Vigilantes, who joined the manhunt for the fleeing criminals.

Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, lauded the swift coordination of security forces and called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperative with law enforcement agencies to ensure sustained safety across Anambra State.

The foiled kidnap comes amid rising concerns over insecurity in parts of the Southeast, but Saturday’s swift response underscores what authorities describe as an improved tactical approach to crime prevention in the state.

Jonathan, Kekere-Ekun, Others to honour  Ex-CJN Ariwoola with Book Launch

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and several other stakeholders in the legal profession are expected to grace the launch of a book chronicling the judicial career of former Chief Justice of Nigeria Olukayode Ariwoola.

The book, titled “Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, CJN, GCON: Through the Cases,” is co-authored by senior lawyers, Dr Charles Mekwunye (SAN) and Ayo Olanrewaju, the Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Chairman of the Editorial Board of the Nigerian Weekly Law Reports (NWLR).

Dr Mekwunye, who spoke in Lagos ahead of the book launch scheduled for May 8 in Abuja, shared that the book provides a comprehensive exploration of Justice Ariwoola’s years of service in Nigeria’s appellate courts, highlighting his significant contributions to the development of the nation’s jurisprudence.

According to Mekwunye, the book critically examines Justice Ariwoola’s judgments, shedding light on his judicial philosophy and impact, this shedding lights on who Justice Ariwoola is through his judicial activities.

He emphasized that Justice Ariwoola, known for his adherence to legal precedent, never delivered a dissenting judgment throughout his career yet advanced legal principles through his consensus opinions.

Explaining this, the Senior Advocate said; “What we found so unique and interesting about him is that he never delivered a dissenting judgement. When we inquired to know why this happened, it was discovered that he had actually taken a minority position many times but other majority voices in judgements at the end of the day deferred to him and his minority position finally adopted as the majority judgement.”

Mekwunye described Justice Ariwoola as a courageous judge who always pursued the path of justice during his time at the Supreme Court.

He compared Ariwoola to legendary jurists such as Lord Denning and Lord Viscount Simmonds, noting that while he is not a reformist like Lord Denning, he also does not possess the ultra-conservative views of Lord Viscount Simmonds but he noted that Justice Ariwoola can best be described as a conservative judge.

Furthermore, Mekwunye highlighted that the book reveals Justice Ariwoola’s character and ethos, making it a valuable reference for judges and aspiring judges, as it discusses many landmark cases he decided.

“His lordship, Justice Ariwoola is a fearless, strong-willed, and incorruptible jurist—a consummate legal expert who has diligently and meticulously provided invaluable service to Nigeria through his judicial pronouncements and administrative competence.

“His vast experience in the study and practice of law, spanning over four decades, has made him a reservoir of knowledge,” Mekwunye stated.

According to him, the book launch which will hold in Abuja on Thursday, May 8 will have in attendance who is who in the legal profession in Nigeria, top judicial officer including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and a host of others.

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: CLARIFICATION ON THE RECENT NANS CONVENTION AND THE LEADERSHIP IT PRODUCED LED BY OLOSHOLA OLADOJA AS PRESIDENT OF NANS, NOT ATIKU ABUBAKAR ISAH

To Whom It May Concern,

We, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), write to address a recent incident that has caused confusion and misrepresentation of our organization. It has come to our notice that Mr. Atiku Abubakar Isah, in an attempt to justify collected funds, has been impersonating himself as the President of NANS. This claim is entirely false and baseless.

THE TRUTH ABOUT NANS LEADERSHIP

Comrade Olushola Oladoja is the legitimate President of NANS, elected through a democratic process at our recent convention. Atiku Abubakar Isah neither contested nor participated in the convention. According to our constitution, one must have held an elected office in NANS to be eligible for the presidency, which Atiku Abubakar Isah does not meet. We find it astonishing that he would claim to be the President of NANS when he has no affiliation with our organization.

REJECTION OF POLITICIZATION

NANS is a non-partisan organization focused on advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian students. We reject any attempts to politicize our organization or use our name for personal gain or political purposes. Our primary goal is to ensure a conducive academic environment for learning and personal growth, and we will not be swayed by political agendas.

CONDEMNATION OF ATIKU’S ACTIONS

Atiku Abubakar Isah’s actions are a clear case of impersonation and extortion. We demand that he returns the funds collected under false pretenses and ceases to misrepresent NANS. We urge him to stop using our organization’s name to deceive and exploit innocent people. As the PRO of the just-concluded Convention, I have photos of all the aspirants who participated in the screening exercises and election, and Atiku Abubakar Isah was nowhere to be found.

DEFENSE OF SEYI TINUBU

We also want to clarify that Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has no special interest in NANS affairs. His support for Nigerian students is genuine and philanthropic, evident in his empowerment initiatives and response to crises like the North Eastern flood disaster. We commend him for his efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of Nigerian youths and students.

CALL TO ACTION

We urge all individuals and groups to respect NANS’ autonomy and refrain from using our name for malicious purposes. We will take necessary actions to protect our organization’s integrity and ensure that those who attempt to undermine us are held accountable. We call on all Nigerian youths to join us in rejecting attempts to politicize our organization and to support our efforts to promote a conducive academic environment.

COMMITMENT TO STUDENT WELFARE

NANS remains dedicated to serving the interests of students across Nigeria, without bias or favoritism. We will continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that benefit our members and promote their welfare. We are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of Nigerian students, and we will not be deterred by attempts to undermine our efforts.

In conclusion, we reiterate that Comrade Olushola Oladoja is the legitimate President of NANS, and Atiku Abubakar Isah’s claims are baseless and false. We urge everyone to support our efforts to promote a conducive academic environment and reject attempts to politicize our organization.

Sincerely Yours in nation building,

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: CLARIFICATION ON THE RECENT NANS CONVENTION AND THE LEADERSHIP IT PRODUCED LED BY OLOSHOLA OLADOJA AS PRESIDENT OF NANS, NOT ATIKU ABUBAKAR ISAH

Ekundina Segun Elvis
Immediate Past Public Relations Officer, Convention Planning Committee 2025 Convention
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