Soludo Accuses Simon Ekpa of Continuing Kidnapping for Ransom in Anambra State

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has revealed that Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based self-proclaimed Biafra agitator, is still actively involved in kidnapping for ransom. Speaking in Awka on Saturday, Soludo highlighted the alarming growth of kidnapping as a lucrative criminal enterprise, surpassing even drug trafficking and oil-related crimes in profitability....CONTINUE READING>>>

“Kidnapping is not new. My father was kidnapped as far back as 2009. GU Okeke, Pokobros, and many others have also fallen victim,” Soludo said, recalling personal and notable incidents of abductions in the region.

He noted that before he assumed office, gunmen had seized control of eight local government areas in the state, attacking and burning police stations while branding themselves as liberators.

“We came in, went to work, and cleared them. We recovered the eight local government areas that were under siege. These gangs claim to be Biafra freedom fighters. IPOB has dissociated themselves from it, but one Simon Ekpa has continued kidnapping for ransom.”

Soludo lamented the growing culture of celebrating wealth without hard work, stating that kidnappers are now glorified, and idolatry has become widespread in the South-East.

“Kidnapping for ransom is now the most lucrative enterprise, even more than drugs and oil. For every one naira reported as ransom payment, five to six naira goes unreported. Nothing is sacred to these criminals anymore,” he added.