Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad in the Osun State Police Command have apprehended and paraded a former Nigerian Army soldier, Emmanuel Anthony, aged 34, for his role in a kidnapping operation that led to the extortion of N3 million from victims.
Anthony, who claimed to have served in the Nigerian Army for over 14 years, including a foreign mission under the United Nations, was dismissed in January 2024 due to desertion, insubordination, and other acts of misconduct.
Anthony, in collaboration with his accomplice, David Agbebaku—who is currently in police custody in Oyo State—traveled from Ibadan to Esa-Oke in Osun State on May 31, 2024. Disguised in military uniforms, they kidnapped two victims, Amole Muiz and Adegoke Gbenga, and coerced them into transferring N3 million into a Moniepoint account before releasing them.
The victims later reported the incident to the police, prompting an investigation by the Anti-Kidnapping Squad. The investigation led to Anthony’s arrest in Ibadan.
During his parade at the police headquarters, Anthony confessed to his involvement in the crime and disclosed that he had used fake military ranks during the operation.
“The military paraphernalia were mine. I purchased the three-star rank and attached it to my uniform. David brought me from Ibadan for the operation,” Anthony said.
He further shared his military background, stating, “I served in the Nigerian Army for 14 years and nine months. I participated in a United Nations mission in 2014 with the 35 192 Battalion and also served in the Northeast. I was court-martialed for misconduct, indiscipline, insubordination, and desertion, which led to my dismissal as a corporal in January 2024.”
“I know I have committed a serious crime against the military and Nigeria. I regret my actions and hope for forgiveness. This will not happen again,” Anthony added.
Police spokesperson Yemisi Opalola confirmed that Anthony and his gang also held two other victims, Olawumi Oluwaseun and Ishola, hostage during the operation. They stole two iPhones worth N1.25 million from the victims before releasing them.
Opalola stated that detectives traced Anthony to Ibadan, where he was arrested and positively identified by the victims.
“The suspect was identified as one of the members of the armed robbery gang that carried out the operation. He will be charged to court accordingly,” she said.
The police also assured the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices involved in the crime.
