Missing NYSC member’s phone traced to inmate in Ogun prison
The Bayelsa State Police Command has begun an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of a 24-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Levi Anyanwu, who went missing on October 8, 2025, in Kaiama, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.
Anyanwu, identified by NYSC Registration Number BYS/25A/0244, was serving at the Ijaw National Academy, Kaiama, as his place of primary assignment before he was declared missing.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohammed, detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit were deployed after a distress report was filed, fearing an untoward incident.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the missing corps member was known to frequent the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Wisdom George, members of his Jehovah’s Witness congregation. Mr. George reportedly told investigators that Anyanwu had fallen ill and was taken to Kwali Referral Hospital on October 4, discharged the next day, and disappeared two days later.
Another corps member, Mr. Oke Emmanuel, identified as Anyanwu’s roommate, confirmed that the missing youth was last seen with the George family before his disappearance. Detectives also discovered that Anyanwu’s mobile phone had been left in his apartment.
Further investigations led to a breakthrough when a GSM number associated with the missing corps member was traced to an inmate at Igbara Prison, Abeokuta, Ogun State, who is currently being held for a kidnapping case.
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The inmate reportedly confessed to using the number found on social media to scam Anyanwu’s father, Mr. Simon Anyanwu, out of ₦100,000, which was paid into an Opay account belonging to one Atinuke Oluwalose, identified as his close associate.
Police investigators disclosed that there is no evidence of kidnapping in this peculiar incident but noted that the case has taken a complex turn, with new findings suggesting possible personal and psychological factors influencing the victim’s actions.
“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,” the statement added.
Efforts are continuing to trace the whereabouts of the missing corps member as police maintain that all leads are being actively pursued.
