Twelve suspects have been arrested by Imo State Police Command in separate operations for offences bordering on kidnapping, cultism, murder, and other violent crimes.
This was made known by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, on Wednesday, July 1.
The arrest, according to Okoye, was to sustain the Command’s “offensive against violent crime through intelligence-led policing and effective collaboration with other security agencies, local vigilante groups, and critical stakeholders.”
The PPRO said that during the period under review, operatives of the Command, led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, aside from arresting the 12 suspects, also rescued three kidnapped victims unharmed.
Among the arrested suspects were Eric John, alias Yahoo Welder (30), of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, resident in Obokofia, Ohaji/Egbema LGA; Light Chukwuma (18); Obinna Osuamma (18); Sylvester Nnadike (60); Tochukwu Precious (22); Destiny Albert (22); and Caroline Oziomele (25), all of Obokofia, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area.
Recovered from the suspects were an AK-47 rifle, two locally-made double-barrel guns, four locally-made pistols, two live cartridges, a blue Toyota Highlander SUV without registration number, one ash-colour Mercedes-Benz GLK SUV with registration number YAB 831 DQ, three Q-Link motorcycles, a Sumec generator set, and eight branded cult caps.
Thenewsbearer learnt that five passengers were abducted from a commuter bus along Obokofia Road in Egbema, with a young man also kidnapped in New Owerri on Saturday, June 27.
These made operatives of the Command, in synergy with operatives of Egbema Police Division, to raid a suspected kidnappers’ hideout at Obokofia in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area on Tuesday, June 30, where three kidnapped victims were rescued and seven suspects arrested, while other members of the syndicate fled the scene and are currently being trailed.
Investigation revealed that the gang had collected ₦5 million from a victim’s relatives and demanded an additional ₦50 million ransom before the victim was rescued during the police operation.
The Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, who commended the operatives for their efforts, reassured the state residents of the Command’s commitment to combating crime, strengthening collaboration with other security agencies, local vigilante groups, and the public, and ensuring that all offenders are brought to justice.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s emergency line 08034773600, as timely and credible information remains vital to protecting lives and property across Imo State.
