As part of its increased efforts to combat criminal activity in the state, the Imo State Police Command has recovered weapons and illegal narcotics and detained 25 individuals in various criminal activities.
Henry Okoye, the Command’s spokesperson, told reporters that 25 people had been taken into custody for crimes ranging from drug sales to child trafficking, cultism, armed robbery, and kidnapping.
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During investigations, four assault weapons, twenty-five cartridges, two cars, three motorcycles, and thirty-five bags of suspected cannabis sativa were found, according to Okoye.
Aluminum roofing sheets that may have been stolen as well as other incriminating evidence were among the other items found.
Suspected gang members who terrorize Njaba LGA are among those detained. The accused include Kelechi Michael, 28, from Ubowuala, Emekuku, Owerri North LGA; Eririogu Chukwuebuka, 28, from Egwuede Atta, Njaba LGA; and Ezemonye Orji, 32, from Edda, Afikpo, Ebonyi State. Three other people are also involved.
In addition to kidnapping and armed robbery, the suspects are accused of killing HRH Eze Durueburuo of Okwudo Autonomous Community and HRH Eze Sampson Osunwa, the traditional ruler of Ihebinowere Autonomous Community, in Njaba LGA in 2021.
“One AK-47 rifle, three magazines, thirty live ammunition rounds, one pump-action gun, seven cartridges, and criminal charms were recovered from them,” the statement said.
The Police Spokesperson further stated that in another development, Command agents stopped an ash-colored Ford J5 bus at Nkweshi, Oguta LGA, based on reliable information, and detained two suspected drug dealers who were transporting a sizable shipment of illegal drugs to suspected criminal networks in Eziorsu within the LGA.
He also disclosed that other illegal drugs and roughly 1,200 kg of suspected cannabis sativa were found.
At the border between Nnebukwu and Orsu Obodo in Oguta LGA, agents also apprehended Ezeh Chinonso Ugochukwu, M, 31, a known criminal ganag commander on the Command’s wanted list, based on reliable intelligence. Following his confession, a camp in Orsu Obodo that was thought to be owned by ESN was dismantled, and twenty-two (22) rounds of live ammunition, one AK-47 rifle, one LAR rifle, and one pump-action gun were found.
Additionally, the suspect said that his gang had killed innocent people, including a preacher and a young woman who was pregnant.
In accordance with the rule of law, all suspects and exhibits are presently being held for a comprehensive investigation and will be charged in court.
Okoye added that Aboki Danjuma, the newly promoted Commissioner of Police, reaffirmed the State’s citizens of the Command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal organizations and maintaining public safety.
He also utilized the platform to encourage citizens to stay alert and report suspicious activity by calling 0803 477 3600. This would help the police and other security agencies with timely and useful information that will promote proactive policing.
