The Anambra State Police Command has arrested eight suspects for kidnapping, cultism, illegal possession of a firearm and armed robbery.
The spokesperson of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, September 13, 2024, said a long gun, one locally made Barreta, ammunition, and a stolen vehicle were recovered from the suspects.
“Anambra Police working on a technology-driven investigation arrested two suspects (names withheld) in their criminal hideout in Nnewi. The arrest is in a follow-up of the reported case of a kidnapped but later released victim on 19th August 2024 in Ihiala. The suspects confessed to being active participants in the crime and have already provided information to the Police that is aiding the Investigation,” the statement read.
“Also, Police-led Joint Security Operatives, Aguata Base, acting on credible information in the early hours of 12/9/2024 stormed a criminal hideout of suspected vandals and arrested five suspects namely, Okorie Miracle, Joshua Ifeanyi Ekwa, Aneke Okorie, Mmesoma Faithful and Chukwuzekwu Mba, all males and from Umunze, between the ages of 20 – 26 years, recovered locally made short guns, and vandalised electricity cables wire and tools, they used to commit the act. The suspects all confessed to the crime and currently assisting the Police with information to arrest other gang members and buyers of the vandalised items.
“Furthermore, Operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SPACS) while on patrol today 13/9/2024 by 9:30 am along Nise/Agulu road accosted one Chigozie Ejikeme ‘m’ aged 25 years a native of Abagana who drove suspiciously in an attempt to escape security check.
“The Operatives searched him and found one locally made Bretta pistol with one live 9mm ammunition concealed on his waist. The suspect, upon interrogation by the operatives, confessed to being a member of the Black Axe secret cult. The suspect vehicle, a black Lexus was also recovered.
“All the suspects will be charged to court on the conclusion of the investigation.”
