By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

A four-member-gang which specializes in robbing unsuspecting members of the public of their tricycle and mobile phones, has been arrested in Anambra State.

The suspects include 19-year-old Nnaji Chidera, Chijioke Mmaduabuchi, 21 years old, Wisdom Ogbonna, 19 years old, and Afamefuna Egbe, 20 years old.

The gang was arrested by operatives of the Anambra State Police command attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Akwuzu.

According to a press release by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the men were arrested in the early hours of Monday, 25th August 2025, while on night patrol along the Agu Awka/Ifite Awka axis.

The statement read in part: “The men intercepted a tricycle and arrested a four-man criminal syndicate specializing in robbing unsuspecting residents, particularly students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, of their phones and other valuables."

He name Exhibits recovered from the gang to include, 9 brands of phones including the victim’s iPhone, one laptop, two tricycles with registration numbers LSD 464 QP and BLF 552 VH, four different tricycle plate numbers and a substance suspected to be a hard drug..

He added that the suspects have been interrogated, and they confessed to the crime, agreeing that they are part of a criminal syndicate that specializes in robbing students within the Awka axis.

He added, “They further revealed that the multiple tricycle plate numbers found with them were usually used to disguise their operational vehicles whenever they embarked on armed robbery.

While commending the operatives for their swift response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, urged the youths to desist from crime.

“He warned that the Command will not relent in ensuring that criminals face the full weight of the law.”