High-Profile Kidnapping in Nnewi: Businessman Abducted by Suspected Kidnappers in Police Uniform, Demand 1 Billion For His Release

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Residents of Anambra State have been gripped with shock and anxiety following the abduction of a prominent businessman in Nnewi, in what many describe as one of the most daring and expensive kidnapping operations witnessed in recent years.

Two weeks ago, unidentified men dressed in full police uniforms stormed the Ogbo Osisi market in Nnewi and abducted a well-known trader popularly known as Hi-Roof, a successful dealer in roofing materials, metro tiles, and aluminium sheets. The victim, originally from Oraukwu in Idemili North Local Government Area, lives and does business in Nnewi. He also holds a traditional title, “Iyi na Oraukwu.”

The Deceptive ‘Friendly Arrest’

According to eyewitnesses, the suspects walked into his shop calmly and informed him that he had been reported for fraud, insisting he must follow them to the station to clear the allegations.
Believing they were genuine law enforcement officers, and with traders in the market watching, the businessman reportedly followed them without resistance.

It was only after he failed to return home that those close to him discovered he had been taken to a kidnappers’ hideout—not a police station.

Ransom Demand Reaches ₦1 Billion

Sources familiar with the case revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded a staggering ₦1 billion for his release. In response, the businessman’s wealthy associates reportedly created a special fundraising group chat to gather contributions toward the ransom.

So far, donors have raised over ₦200 million, but the kidnappers have allegedly refused to release the victim, insisting that the ransom must be paid in full before any negotiation can begin.

Rising Concerns Over Organized Kidnapping

The incident has sparked fresh concerns over the growing sophistication of criminal gangs in the region. Residents fear that with such highly coordinated operations — including impersonation of security officers — no one is safe, not even top business figures or elected officials.

Community voices lament that kidnapping seems to have become a lucrative venture for criminal groups, who execute operations boldly and escape without immediate consequences.