Operatives of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Imo State Police command have arrested two suspected armed robbery and kidnapping kingpins in the state that have reportedly been on the run for a while.

The suspects, identified as Ifeanyi Asiatugbulam, 34 and Kingsley Udo Johnson, 20, were arrested for their alleged involvement in various kidnapping and armed robbery incidents in the state.

The spokesman of the police in the state, Orlando Ikeokwu, in a statement, stated that the duo were arrested at Ikot-Akwa in Nsit-Atai Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State after fleeing from police.

The police said that the duo were members of a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping gang led by late billionaire kidnap kingpin, Collins Okoronkwo, aka E-money, an ex-police corporal.

Okoronkwo, according to Ikeokwu, had led his gang on an operation sometimes in 2018 where he was killed in an exchange of gunfire with the police.

However, Asiatugbulam and Johnson reportedly fled to neighbouring Akwa Ibom State where they formed another gang and continued with their nefarious activities.

Ikeokwu said the suspects ran out of luck as they were arrested on the March 25 at about 04:30hrs at Ikot-Akwa in Nsit-Atai LGA of Akwa Ibom State, based on credible intelligence and discreet investigation for various kidnapping and armed robbery incidents.

He said, “It could be recalled that on 27/01/2018 at Atta, Ikeduru billionaire kidnap kingpin, Collins Okoronkwo aka E-money (an ex-police corporal) was shot dead during a gun duel with the operatives of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), together with two of his gang members while the said Ifeanyi Asiatugbulem escaped and then went ahead to form another kidnap/robbery gang and has since been terrorizing Imo State and other neighbouring states.

“He has however confessed to the crime and his role in various operations, especially as regards to Collins Okoronkwo aka E-money. He will be charged to court accordingly,” the statement added. (Daily Trust)

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