Pecohub The Anambra State Government has destroyed the house of a suspected kidnap kingpin linked to the abduction of the Medical Director of Crown Multi-Specialist Hospital, Nkpor, Dr Edwin Emegakor.
The operation also led to the destruction of a shrine located inside the building, while the suspect remains in police custody for interrogation.
The demolition followed the enforcement of the recently enacted Anambra State Homeland Security Law, which empowers the government to confiscate or destroy properties believed to have been used for criminal activities.
Emegakor was abducted on Thursday, May 7, 2026, while attending to a patient at his hospital in Idemili North Local Council. The kidnappers reportedly dressed in security uniforms during the operation.
Security sources said operatives of the Department of State Services acted on intelligence and raided the suspect’s residence, leading to his arrest. The suspect was said to have operated publicly as a spare parts dealer.
Investigations revealed that the kidnappers had demanded N500 million ransom before the DSS operation disrupted the gang’s activities and secured the doctor’s release unharmed.
Police authorities declined immediate comment, saying ongoing investigations could be compromised.
The abduction had earlier prompted the Anambra State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association to issue a 48-hour ultimatum threatening suspension of medical services across the state from yesterday, if the doctor was not rescued.
However, the association withdrew the threat after news emerged on Sunday that Emegakor had regained freedom.
The state NMA Chairman, Dr Princeton Okam, confirmed the doctor’s release.
“Our colleague has been rescued safely and reunited with his family. He is healthy, in high spirits, and responding well after the traumatic experience,” he said.
Okam had also urged the state government to strengthen security measures to protect lives and property.
A visit by The Guardian to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, and some private clinics showed medical services continuing uninterrupted.
A source at the NMA secretariat said the planned industrial action had become unnecessary following the doctor’s rescue.
A relative of Emegakor expressed gratitude to security operatives for securing his release.
“Na my in-law and brother o, we have not rested since Thursday. They were demanding N500 million. To God be the glory, he’s been rescued,” the relative said.
