• Recover 20 live AK-47 ammunition, cartridges

Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested five kidnappers and armed robbers.

Confirming the arrest in a statement, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Michael Abattam, said 20 live AK-47 ammunition and five live cartridges were recovered from the suspects.

“On 26/7/2021, at about 1830 hours, the command’s tactical team attached to the Divisional Police Station, Ohaji Egbema, acting on a tip-off, arrested one Obieze Chima “M” aged 34 years of Umuoboke Obile in Ohaji Egbema LGA of Imo State, a notorious armed robber, and kidnapper whose syndicate has been terrorising the state, after a serious gun battle, where he sustained bullet injury on his leg.

“On interrogation, he confessed being a member of the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and has featured prominently in most of the armed robberies and kidnappings in the state with his gang leader, popularly known as ‘Emperor,’” the police statement said.

According to him, the suspect was later transferred to the state command’s anti-kidnapping unit on July 27, 2021 about 0830 hours, for detailed investigation.

On interrogation, he made useful statements and led the command’s team to Egbema in Ohaji LGA of Imo State, where Darlington Nwokeocha “M” age 20 years, Chinedu Dike “ M “ age 25 years, Odinaka Kentus “M” age 32 years all natives of Nmahu Egbema in Ohaji Egbema LGA of Imo State, Longinus Nwaugo “M” age 32 years and Dandy Nwanuka “M” age 30 years both of Okwuizi in Rivers State were arrested.

“Recovered from them were twenty (20) rounds of AK-47 rifle live ammunition and five (5) rounds of live cartridges. On their way back to the station, two of the suspects, Darlington Nwokeocha and Chinedu Dike, attempted to escape but were shot on the legs, thus were demoblised and rearrested.”

Also confirming the arrest, the statement said the suspects were alleged members of a dreaded cult group.

“On interrogation, both suspects confessed membership of the dreaded secret cult group named Ashland confraternity and volunteered the information that led to the arrest, on 28/7/2021 about 2200 hours, of the following additional suspects, Ozilam Chinagorom “M” age 30 years, Godswill Jonathan “M” age 26 years, Elumezie Tochukwu “M” age 24 years, Emedo Confidence “M” age 35 years, Ebuke Joshua “M” age 36 years, all of Umugama Assa in Ohaji Egbema LGA of Imo State and Amadi Destiny “M” age 36 years of Umuobi Assa in Ohaji Egbema LGA of Imo State.

“While proceeding to the station, three of the suspects attempted escaping, but were demobilised and rearrested. They are currently receiving medical attention at The Nigeria Police Clinic Owerri, Imo State.”

Meanwhile, investigation is ongoing and efforts are on to recover their Ak-47 rifles from where they confirmed to have concealed them.

“The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Abutu Yaro, while commending the officers and men of the command for being proactive in nipping violent crimes in the bud, thanked the residents and citizens of the state for their supports and urged them to supply the police with credible information that will assist in interception of criminal elements in the state,” the statement concluded.

•Source: The Guardian: (Text, excluding headline)

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