Anambra Monarch Denies Ties to Arrested Kidnapper, Calls for Investigation

The traditional ruler of Enugwu-Agidi in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, HRH Michael Okekeuche, has distanced himself from a suspected notorious kidnapper, Mr. Chukwudi Tansi, who was recently arrested in the community.

Tansi was apprehended when operatives of Agunechemba, Anambra’s newly launched security outfit, raided a kidnappers’ den in the area. Several arms and ammunition were recovered during the operation.

The arrest has sparked a rift between the community’s president general, Mr. Ebuka Onuorah, and the monarch, with both accusing each other of having ties to the suspect. Onuorah alleged that Tansi was employed by the monarch as part of the community’s vigilante group, but Okekeuche refuted the claim, stating that Tansi was actually affiliated with Onuorah’s private security outfit.

In response, Okekeuche urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to launch a full investigation into the suspect’s alleged criminal activities and to bring all collaborators to justice.

Members of the Enugwu-Agidi traditional council, including press secretary Ifeanyi Ndulue and cabinet secretary Victor Okeke, addressed journalists in Awka on behalf of the monarch. Ndulue stated that Onuorah’s accusations were a diversion tactic to shield himself, asserting that the arrested suspect was Onuorah’s ally.

The traditional ruler expressed satisfaction with the arrest and commended security operatives for their efforts. He reiterated his commitment to eradicating crime in the community and praised Governor Soludo for implementing an effective security framework in the state.