The Bayelsa State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has declared 24-year-old corps member Levi Anyanwu missing.
Anyanwu, who is serving at Ijaw National Academy in Kaiama, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, reportedly went missing on October 8, 2025.
The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Bayelsa State Police Command has begun a detailed investigation to determine the circumstances of Anyanwu’s disappearance.
Musa Mohammed, the state Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that all measures are being taken to locate and produce the corps member.
Last Known Whereabouts
Investigations revealed that Anyanwu was last seen with fellow Jehovah’s Witness worshippers, Mr. and Mrs. Wisdom George. The couple said he had visited earlier but left afterward.
“Further disclosures were made by Mr. George that the corps member complained of illness and was taken for treatment at the Kaiama Referral Hospital, on 04/10/25, and was reportedly discharged on 05/10/25. That on 06/10/25, the missing corps member disappeared to an unknown destination,” the police statement said.
Roommate’s Account
Mr. Oke Emmanuel, Anyanwu’s roommate, was questioned by detectives regarding the disappearance.
“On 10/10/25, one, Mr Oke Emmanuel, a corps member, who is said to be the roommate of the subject, was invited by detectives and interrogated. He confirmed that the subject was with the George family until 06/10/25,” the police said.
False Kidnapping Claim
The police discovered that two inmates at Igbara Correctional Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, attempted to extort N100,000 from Anyanwu’s father, Mr. Simon Anyanwu, by posing as kidnappers.
“The missing youth corps member’s phone was left in his apartment. Detectives followed a GSM call from No 0906193291, which was later traced to an inmate detained at Igbara Correctional Custodian Centre, Abeokuta, in Ogun State, in connection with a kidnapping case. The suspect claimed that they saw the telephone number on social media and decided to take advantage of the father of the victim, Mr Anyanwu Simon ‘m’ 56 years old. The sum of N100,000:00 was paid to the account Opay; 7042793493, belonging to one Atinuke Oluwalose, a close collaborator with the detained inmate at Abeokuta Prison,” the police explained.
Possible Personal Reasons
Police said preliminary findings indicate that Anyanwu’s disappearance might have been influenced by personal reasons related to his religious beliefs.
“From the findings by detectives, a disturbing realisation may have impelled the victim’s actions. There are declarations he made about certain recent social preferences and appetites that impinge on his religious beliefs,” the statement said.
Ongoing Efforts
Authorities confirmed that the investigation is ongoing to bring clarity to the matter.
“Measures are still ongoing to consolidate law enforcement activities, to enable a proper conclusion on the findings of the detectives, as the findings are quite revealing. There is no case of kidnapping in this peculiar incident. Efforts are still ongoing to ensure foreclosure is found in the ongoing inquiry,” the police added.