The Anambra Police Command has announced the arrest of 13 suspects in separate operations across the state. According to the police, the suspects were apprehended for their alleged involvement in various criminal offences, including cultism, armed robbery, and possession of illicit substances. The operations were conducted in collaboration with the Anambra state vigilance group.
On September 30, police operatives raided a suspected hideout in Okpoko and arrested 20-year-old Somtochukwu Ezeibe. During the operation, a locally-made double-barrel pistol, one live cartridge, and charms were recovered. A search of Ezeibe's residence led to the recovery of a Vikings Confraternity beret and peak cap, suggesting his alleged involvement in cult-related activities.
Ezeibe provided information that led to the arrest of eight additional suspects on October 5. The suspects, aged between 20 and 30, were taken into custody for their alleged connection to the group. They have since been transferred to the Anti-Cult Unit of the command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
On October 4, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, in collaboration with Agunechemba Vigilance Group, Onitsha Sector, arrested four persons for alleged conspiracy and armed robbery. The suspects, identified as Dennis Ngwu, Elvis Effiong, Femi Adekoya, and Chijioke Obinozie, were found with large quantities of suspected illicit substances.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the four suspects were allegedly members of a six-member gang accused of robbing shuttle bus operators at gunpoint and diverting company goods within Onitsha. The suspects reportedly made statements implicating themselves in the alleged offences, including the diversion of goods valued at approximately ₦40 million.
On October 5, operatives of the Command's Violent Crime Response Unit recovered an abandoned green Toyota Highlander at Ogidi. Preliminary findings indicated that the vehicle was allegedly snatched from its owner at Ogidi Building Material Market on August 16. The police are investigating the matter to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged offence.
Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr Nnanna Ama, has reassured residents that the command will sustain its intelligence-led operations against cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the state. The commissioner urged the public to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information to the police, assuring that such information will be treated with confidentiality and acted upon professionally.
Key points
- 13 suspects were arrested in separate operations across Anambra state for alleged involvement in cultism, armed robbery, and possession of illicit substances.
