Dismissed Soldier in uniform arrested by Police allegedly for Kidnapping – Crime Channels
Dismissed Soldier in uniform arrested by Police allegedly for Kidnapping
Officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Osun State Police Command have arrested and paraded Emmanuel Anthony, a 34-year-old dismissed soldier, for his role in a kidnapping operation and extortion scheme that targeted two victims for a ransom of N3 million.
Anthony, who served in the Nigerian Army for 14 years—including a deployment with the United Nations—was discharged in January 2024 for desertion, insubordination, and other offenses.
His dismissal, however, did not deter him from engaging in criminal activities.
Alongside an accomplice, David Agbebaku—who is currently in custody in Oyo State—Anthony allegedly traveled from Ibadan to Esa-Oke in Osun State on May 31, 2024.
Disguised in military uniforms, the pair abducted two victims, Amole Muiz and Adegoke Gbenga. The victims were forced to transfer N3 million to a Moniepoint account before being released.
The crime was reported to the police, triggering an investigation by the Anti-Kidnapping Squad. Through their efforts, Anthony was tracked down and arrested in Ibadan.
At his police parade, Anthony confessed to his involvement, explaining that he had used counterfeit military insignia during the operation. “The military paraphernalia were mine. I bought the three-star rank and attached it to my uniform,” he stated, further revealing that Agbebaku had brought him from Ibadan for the operation.
“I served in the Nigerian Army for 14 years and 9 months, including a mission with the 35 192 Battalion under the United Nations in 2014. I was dismissed for misconduct, desertion, and insubordination in January 2024,” Anthony admitted. “I know I’ve committed a grave crime. I regret my actions and hope for forgiveness. This will not happen again.”
In addition to the kidnapping and extortion, Anthony and his accomplice are also accused of holding two other victims—Olawumi Oluwaseun and Ishola—hostage, stealing two iPhones valued at N1.25 million before releasing them.
Police spokesperson Yemisi Opalola confirmed that detectives successfully traced Anthony to Ibadan, where he was arrested and positively identified by the victims.
“The suspect was recognized as one of the armed robbers involved in the operation. He will be charged in court,” Opalola said, adding that efforts to capture other members of the gang are ongoing.
The Osun State Police have vowed to continue their pursuit of justice, assuring the public that all efforts are being made to apprehend the remaining accomplices involved in the crime.
