Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Osun State Police Command have arrested and paraded a dismissed soldier, Emmanuel Anthony, 34, for his involvement in a kidnapping operation and 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 for desertion, insubordination, and other misconduct.
Anthony, alongside an accomplice, David Agbebaku — now in police custody in Oyo State — allegedly traveled from Ibadan to Esa-Oke in Osun State on 31 May 2024. Wearing military uniforms, the duo kidnapped two victims, Amole Muiz and Adegoke Gbenga, and forced them to transfer N3 million into a Moniepoint account before releasing them.
The case was later reported to the police, prompting an investigation by the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, which traced and arrested Anthony in Ibadan.
While being paraded at the police headquarters, Anthony admitted to his involvement in the crime and revealed that he 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,” he said.
Anthony also disclosed his military background:
“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, leading to my dismissal as a corporal in January 2024.”
He added, “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.”
The police spokesperson, Superintendent Yemisi Opalola said hat Anthony and his gang also held two other victims, Olawumi Oluwaseun and Ishola, hostage during the operation. They robbed the duo of two iPhones valued at N1.25 million before releasing them.
Opalola said detectives tracked 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 assured the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices involved in the crime.
