The Enugu State Government recently demolished a property linked to kidnapping activities in the Amaebo Owelli Autonomous Community of Awgu LGA. This action is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to combat crime, particularly kidnapping.
Hon. Uche Anya, the Executive Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, stated that the mansion was identified as a site used for holding kidnapping victims. He highlighted a specific incident in May 2024, where a male victim was filmed under duress with firearms pointed at him, which led security agencies to locate and raid the property, rescuing the victim and apprehending several criminals.
According to Section 315 (Second Amendment) of the Criminal Code Law of Enugu State, properties used for criminal activities can be demolished or forfeited. Anya emphasized that the government would not tolerate any excuses from landlords regarding properties associated with criminal conduct, reiterating the state’s commitment to enhancing security and addressing crime.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of several AK-47 rifles, semi-automatic weapons, and other illegal arms, while one of the gang’s leaders was tracked and apprehended after escaping to Lagos.