Operatives from the Osun State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad have arrested and paraded Emmanuel Anthony, 34, a dismissed soldier, for his involvement in a kidnapping operation and extorting N3 million from victims.
Anthony, who claimed to have served in the Nigerian Army for almost 14 years, including a foreign assignment for the United Nations, was fired in January 2024 for desertion, insubordination, and other misbehaviour.
On May 31, 2024, Anthony allegedly travelled from Ibadan to Esa-Oke in Osun State with an accomplice, David Agbebaku, who is currently in police detention in Oyo State.
Wearing military clothes, the duo kidnapped two victims, Amole Muiz and Adegoke Gbenga, and forced them to transfer N3 million to a Moniepoint account before releasing them.
While being displayed at the police headquarters, Anthony admitted to his role in the crime and claimed that he used forged 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.
He also stated that “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.”
According to police spokesman Yemisi Opalola, Anthony and his gang kept two more victims prisoner during the operation: Olawumi Oluwaseun and Ishola.
They robbed the duo of two iPhones worth N1.25 million before releasing them.
Opalola stated that officers trailed Anthony to Ibadan, where he was apprehended 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.
