Enugu State Police Command says , it’s operatives have arrested 195 criminal suspects of various offences. He said some had been arraigned and remanded in the Correctional Custodian Centre.
Commissioner of Police, Enugu Command,Kanayo Uzuegbu disclosed that in a press briefing and the parade of arrested criminal suspects and exhibits recovered in their operational activities from the month of April 2024 to May 3, 2024.
He described the month of April as an eventful one for the Command, saying they carried out several successful operations that led to the arrest of many suspects for different offences, rescue of kidnapped or abducted victims and the recovering of assorted exhibits.
Pix : CP Uzuegbu
At the event held at the Police Headquarters,Enugu, CP Uzuegbu said the total number of suspects was 195 and the total number of Kidnapped/ abducted victims rescued ,19.
He gave the breakdown of suspects arrested as per offences as follows:
Suspects arrested for kidnapping and abduction 29, Suspects arrested for armed robbery 28, Suspects arrested for robbery and stealing 25, Suspect arrested for murder and culpable homicide ,7, Suspects arrested for unlawful possession of firearms and Ammunition, 20, Suspects arrested for rape/defilement, 4, Suspects arrested for cultism and related offence ,37, Suspects arrested for vandalism, breaking and other offences ,45.
Breakdown of exhibits recovered are as follows: AK-47 rifles 10, Sub-machine gun 1, locally fabricated and other firearms 37, Live ammunition of different calibres 67, Live cartridges 78, Motor vehicles 25, Tricycles 15, amd Motorcycles 25.
He said majority of the suspects arrested( 165) have been arraigned in court and remanded in Correctional Custodial Centre, while others are still being investigated.
“Interestingly, two male suspects involved in conspiracy and abduction were arraigned, convicted and sentenced to three (3) years imprisonment.
Pix: Some of the suspects
On security in Enugu state, Uzuegbu said, “I make bold to say that Enugu State has generally remained relatively peaceful, secured and safe enough for law-abiding residents and visitors to continue to carry out their legitimate businesses. This is despite the so much media hysteria generated over some of the few criminal situations recently recorded in the State.
“There is no denying the fact that we live in a time when there is a high level of citizens’ journalism, which is highly wrapped with misinformation and disinformation peddling, through the internet, especially the social media. I, however, urge our citizens, particularly media practitioners and netizens, to always tow the path of discretion, objectivity and accuracy when reporting sensitive security issues.
“This has become necessary to avoid creating an atmosphere of chaos, fear and unnecessary tensions in the minds of unsuspecting citizens. Additionally, such acts could also lead to the violation of the law, particularly the cybercrime Act which attracts legal consequences. Hence, the need to err on the side of caution.
Pix: Suspects
“It is very important to highlight efforts being made to tackle the issue of the seemingly intractable herders-farmers-induced cases of murder and other violent crimes, recently experienced in some parts of the State. A case in hand being the recent senseless and unwarranted attack and gruesome murder of four persons at Ugwuijero Village in Nimbo community of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, by armed men suspected to be herders.
“You will recall that upon receiving report of the unpleasant incident, I immediately ordered the deployment of the operational and intelligence resources of the Command to hunt-down the criminal elements said to have escaped thereafter. These operations will be sustained until the perpetrators, and others involved in similar crimes, are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
“Furthermore, I have also ensured that both kinetic and non-kinetic means are used to tackle this ugly menace. Accordingly, I have directed Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to ensure the maximum utilization of the Police Special Constabularies in their policing activities, in line with the community policing guidelines.
Pix: Recovered cars
“In addition, I have ordered them to effectively partner and work with the Neighbourhood Watch Group, Forest Guards and members of the community, especially those in the rural areas, to frontally tackle this manner of crime, and all other forms of violent crimes in their respective areas of responsibility. However, I call on citizens of our communities to remain supportive in this regard,”CP Uzuegbu said.
He thanked the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mba, for his immense support and pragmatic commitment to a safer, more secured and peaceful Enugu State.
He also thanked the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his leadership direction, guide and support, which he said, have continued to make their policing activities less cumbersome and productive.
Pix: Some of the weapons recovered.
The Commissioner of Police thanked the police, other security agencies, the media and law abiding citizens of the state for their support and urged them to continue to support the police by doing or saying something to them when you see or hear something.
He wished all workers in Enugu State a happy International Workers’ Day in arrears and urged them to continue to tow the path of dignity and sacrifice in the course of their work. He also wished the good people of the State a happy new month of May, “praying that God will continue to bless and guide us in all we do.”
The text in parts:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SOME OF THE CASES LEADING TO THE OPERATIONAL SUCCESSES
CASES OF ABDUCTION AND KIDNAPPING
Criminal acts of abduction and kidnapping remain one crime against person that we have continued to give priority attention, by ensuring that we either prevent them from happening or when they happen, we detect and ensure that there are adequately handled. Hence, the successful conduct of operations that led to the rescue of nineteen (19) victims allegedly abducted or kidnapped in the period under review.
The operational activities also led to the arrest of the earlier mentioned forty (40) suspects, arrested in different locations within and outside of Enugu State. Furthermore, ten (10) AK-47 rifles loaded with twenty-six (26) rounds of 7.62 mm calibre live ammunition, thirty-one (8) assorted locally-fabricated firearms, eleven (11) motor vehicles and other exhibits were recovered.
As earlier mentioned, many of the suspects have been arraigned and remanded in Correctional Custodial Centres, with the two (2) male suspects arrested for conspiracy and abduction within the period under review, being arraigned, convicted and sentenced to three (3) years imprisonment. However, a few other cases will be briefly highlighted hereunder.
A Case of Abduction, Alleged Rape, Assault, Fraud, Unlawful Possession of Firearms, Arrest of Suspect and Recovery of Exhibits
The suspect arrested is:
Nnamoko Chinecherem, aged 23, of Amoji-Nike, Enugu South LGA.
Brief description of the case
The suspect was arrested on 01/05/2024 by Police Operatives serving in the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad. His arrest is sequel to the receipt of a report alleging that he abducted, physically assaulted and had carnal knowledge of a female victim (names withheld) under the pretense of curing her of spiritual problems. A preliminary investigation reveals that the suspect, an acclaimed prophet and owner of a church (names withheld), in the course of providing the said spiritual service, kept the victim beyond the number of days he promised her parents. He thereafter compelled them to sell their plot of land to pay him for services rendered.
Meanwhile, a search executed in his premises led to the recovery of one pump action, one locally-made gun and two live cartridges. Further discreet investigation is ongoing.
A Case of Conspiracy, Armed Robbery, and Kidnapping; Arrest of Suspect and Recovery of a Snatched Vehicle
The Suspect Involved is
Arikpo George, aged 39.
Brief Description of the Case
The suspect was arrested on 11/04/2024 by Police Detectives serving in State C.I.D of the Command, following the diligent execution of intelligence report. Preliminary investigations show that the suspect and other at large, on 06/03/2024 around 8:15 p.m., at gunpoint kidnapped their male victim in his Lexus ES 350 car, at CBN Quarters Road, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu. They took him to unknown destination. But upon sensing that they were being trailed by Police Operatives, they abandoned the victim, dispossessing him of two assorted mobile phones, wallet containing ATM Card, SIM Card, Voters Card, Driver’s License, National Identity Card, cash sum of N4,000.00, and $400.00 USD. They further used the victim’s phone to fraudulently transfer the sum of N226,700.00 from his account. Meanwhile, further discreet investigation is ongoing.
CASES OF UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF FIREARMS, AMMUNITION AND CULTISM
A Case of conspiracy, Unlawful Possession of Firearm and Arrest of Suspects
The suspects arrested are:
Amechi Ugochukwu (alias “Ratty”) aged 24, of Akwuke, Enugu South LGA,
Nwachukwu Izuchukwu aged 22, (alias “Nwa-Mpele”), of Amolie in Agwu LGA, and
Arinze Ali aged 30, of Obiagu New Gariki, Enugu South LGA.
Brief Description of the Case
The suspects were arrested on 01/05/2024 around 5.30 p.m., through the joint efforts of Police Operatives serving in Awkunanaw Police Division and Troops of 103 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Awkunanaw, Enugu, following their conduct of a covert surveillance operation. One locally-made pistol was recovered from the suspects, who confessed to having perpetrated several acts of crime in and around Awkunanaw axis of Enugu metropolis, and were out for their criminal routine when they were apprehended by the joint team. The suspects will be arraigned and prosecuted once investigations are concluded.
A Case of Conspiracy, Unlawful Possession of Firearms, Vandalism, Arrest of Suspects and Recovery of Exhibits
The suspects involved are:
Godwin Abanonu aged 64,
Oyoke Victor aged 22,
Nwunna Emmanuel aged 20,
Nwokpo Chinasa aged 19,
Amuh Chukwuemeka aged 38,
Oshim Chidera aged 19,
Nwode Emeka aged 18,
Nwafor Emmanuel aged 20,
Michael Chukwubuike aged 32,
Alikwe Obinna aged 28,
Okenyi Charles Chidiebere aged 34,
Odaa Peter Kesh aged 18,
Brief Description of the Case
The suspects were arrested between April 27 and 28, 2024, by Police Operatives serving in the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Command, after acting on a report alleging that suspects vandalized equipment at Niger Steel Company, Emene, Enugu. One Pump Action gun, one locally-fabricated revolver gun and several pieces of the vandalized equipment were recovered from them in the course of investigation that is still ongoing.
A Case of Unlawful Possession of Firearm and Ammunition, Recovery and Arrest of Suspect
The Suspect Involved is:
Chukwuebuka Eneanya aged 25,
Brief Description of the Case
The suspect was arrested in April 2024 by Police Operatives serving in No. 3 PMF Enugu, while on routine stop and search duty along Four-Corner/Nvene/Udi Road. One locally-made berretta pistol loaded with three rounds of .9mm live ammunition calibre, and three assorted Android mobile phones were recovered from him. Further discreet investigations are ongoing.
Unlawful Possession of Firearm and Arrest of Suspect
Suspect involved is:
Ani Onyedikachi (a.k.a Biggy) aged 27, of Amakpu village, Agbani, Enugu
Brief description of the case
The suspect was arrested on 24/04/2024 around 8.30 p.m., by Police Operatives serving in Nkanu West Police Division while on surveillance patrol along Eke-Agbani Market in Nkanu West LGA. The arrest of the suspect, whose cohorts escaped, led to the recovery of one locally-made single-barreled cut-to-size gun, two live cartridges, two mobile phones, weeds suspected to be Indian hemp and assorted objects suspected to be charms. Further discreet investigation is ongoing.
A Case of Unlawful Possession and Manufacture of Firearms, Arrest of Suspects and Recovery of Exhibits
The Suspect Involved are:
Chekwube Ojobo aged 42,
Nnamani Raphael aged 65, both of Amalla community in Udenu L.G.A.
Brief description of the case
Police Operatives of the Command serving in Udenu Police Division, acting on a report of threatening violence, arrested Chekwube Ojobo on 17/04/2024 around 5.30 p.m., at Ifuruoka in Amalla community of Udenu L.G.A. One locally-made pistol, six expended 7.62 mm calibre ammunition and three expended cartridges were recovered from him.
The suspect’s confessional statement and further discreet investigation conducted by the Command’s Crack Tactical Squad, led to the arrest of Nnamani Rapheal, who was discovered to be a manufacturer of firearms in the said community. Thirty expended cartridges, components and firearms manufacturing equipment were also recovered from him. Further discreet investigation is ongoing.
A Case of Conspiracy, Unlawful Possession of Firearm, Cultism and Arrest of Suspect
Suspect involved is:
Rapuruchukwu Nlebe (alias “JP”) aged 23, of Enugu-Inyi in Oji-River L.G.A.
Brief Description of the case
Police Operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad arrested the suspect on 12/04/2024, and recovered one locally made single-barreled pistol loaded with one live cartridge. Upon interrogation, he confessed to being a member of Black Axe Confraternity, where he holds the position of “Butcher” in the confraternity. He further confessed to having obtained the firearm and ammunition from his cohorts at large, and was going home from their Cult meeting held in Achi bush in Oji-River L.G.A., before Operatives nabbed him. Further discreet investigation is ongoing.
A Case of Arrest of Suspected Cultism and other Criminal Activities Suspect
The Suspect involved is:
Emmanuel Chibunze Afanna aged 24, of California Brothel Amakwe in Udi L.G.A.
Brief Description of the case
Acting on information, Police Operatives serving in Udi Police Division raided a criminal hideout at Nkwo-Agu in Udi L.G.A., and arrested the suspect upon suspicion that he was a cultist and found wounds suspected to be that of gunshot on his leg and shoulder. When interrogated, the suspect confessed to being a member of a cult group, stating that he sustained the observed gunshot wounds during a clash with rival cult group at 9th Mile Corner, Ngwo in Udi L.G.A. Further discreet investigation is ongoing.
A Case of Conspiracy, Cultism, Threatening Violence, Assault Occasioning Harm and Arrest of Suspects
The suspects involved are:
Okeke Emmanuel Mmasichukwu (alias “AB Abobo”) aged 24, of Ekochin, Ngwo, Enugu
Ugwu Collins aged 24, of No.30 Ugwu Street Obiagu, Ogui Enugu
Brief Description of the case
The suspects were arrested at Obiagu, Ogui, Enugu, on 15/04/2024 around 12.45 p.m., by Police Operative serving in the Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad. The arrest followed the Operatives swift response to a distress call alleging that members of Bokinafaso Confraternity attacked and wounded a member of their cult group at De-Lords Close over leadership tussle. The suspects, who confessed to the allegation and also being members of the secret cult group, were all found to be students of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu.
A Case of Conspiracy, Cultism and Arrest of Suspects
Suspects involved are:
Okenwa Chidiebere aged 19,
Igwe Nelson Kosisochukwu aged 22,
Chukwuneche Chukwuemeka aged 22,
Matthew Chidera Kizito aged 23,
Agu Ikechukwu aged 17,
Chisom Oledinwamma aged 17,
Iyama Matthew aged 18,
Igwe Chinemerem aged 15, and
Chima Oduocha aged 18, all of Abakpa-Nike, Enugu.
Brief Description of the case
The suspects were arrested on 10/04/2024 around 10 p.m., at Abakpa-Nike, Enugu, by Police Operatives serving the Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, with support from law-abiding citizens. The arrest was due to the team’s quick response to credible information on cultism and other criminal activities.
The suspects, who confessed to being members of Junior Vikings Confraternity (JVC), were arrested while perfecting plans to carry out a reprisal attack on members of their rival cult group christened the ‘CAT’. Preliminary investigation reveals the several fracas between the rival cult groups have led to the sustaining of several injuries and casualties by members of the unlawful groups. One machete was recovered from them, further discreet investigation is ongoing.
A Case of Conspiracy, Car Stealing, Recovery of Vehicle and Arrest of Suspects
Suspects involved are:
Alex Anthony aged 38, of Nenwe in Aninri L.G.A. and
Chibuike Onwe aged 28, of Ezzamgbo in Ohaukwu L.G.A. of Ebonyi State
Brief Description of the case
Police Operatives serving in Awkunanaw Police Division, supported by Neighbourhood Watch Group, on April 19, 2024 around 3:05 p.m., utilized an intelligence report and arrested the suspects while their cohorts escaped. Several vehicle master keys and one red-coloured Toyota Camry, which the suspects and their gang members were alleged to have stolen on the same date from where it was parked at Amechi-Awkunanaw in Enugu South L.G.A., were recovered.
A preliminary investigation shows that they confessed to the crime, stating that they were part of a trans-state criminal syndicate that specialized in snatching and stealing motor vehicles and tricycles in Ebonyi, Enugu, and Rivers State. Their confessional statement further led to the recovery of one blue-coloured Audi 80 wagon car with Reg. No. UWN 210 AS, which they confessed to having snatched in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State. Further discreet investigation is ongoing.
CASES OF MURDER AND CULPABALE HOMICIDE
Case of Murder and Arrest of Suspects
Suspects involved are:
Ginika Eziokwu (f)
Uche Agu (m) aged
Brief description of the case
The suspects were arrested on 05/04/2024 by Police Operatives serving in 9th Mile Police Division. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim of murder, one Luke Eziokwu ‘m’ had a misunderstanding with the female suspect, Ginika Eziokwu. However, 05/04/2024 around 11 a.m, she conspired with the second suspect and others at large, attacked the victim in his house with dangerous weapons, thereby causing his death. The body of the deceased was confirmed dead in the hospital and deposited in the mortuary for autopsy. Further discreet investigation is ongoing.
CASES OF DEFILEMENT AND RAPE
A Case of Defilement and Arrest of Suspect:
The suspect involved is:
Igwe Nnamani aged 18, of No. 57 Udorji Street, Ogui New Layout, Enugu.
Brief Description of the Case:
The suspect was arrested on 25/04/2024 around11.30 a.m., by Police Operatives serving in Ogui Police Division, following the receipt of a complaint alleging that he defiled a 7-year-old female minor (names withheld). Preliminary investigation shows that the suspect lured the victim into his house and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her, thereby causing serious bleeding from her private part. The suspect has been arraigned and remanded.
CASE OF VANDALISM
A Case Conspiracy, Transformer Vandalism and Arrest of Suspects
The suspects arrested include:
Nnamdi Godwin, aged 18, and
Chukwudi Nnamani, aged 36, both of New Artisan Market, Enugu
Nnamdi Godwin was arrested on 27/04/24 around 5 a.m., by Police Operatives serving in Independence Layout Police Division of the Command. His arrest is following the Operatives’ swift response to a distress call alleging that the suspect and cohorts at large were sighted vandalizing an electric transformer at Mbaukwu Street, Independence Layout, Enugu.
A preliminary investigation shows that the suspect, who is a car washer and arrested on spot, was found with degrees of electric shock injuries due to partially electrocution he sustained while attempting to vandalize the transformer. The suspect confessed to having sold vandalized cables to the second suspect, Chukwudi, who is a scrap dealer, at the rate of thirty thousand naira (N30,000.00). Further discreet investigations are ongoing.”, he said.
The suspects were paraded and recovered weapons and vehicles exhibited
Author: Maureen Ikpeama