Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, OCHA Brigade has arrested no fewer than 18 touts selling illegal tickets and collecting unauthorized revenues from drivers in Anambra State.
The suspects were paraded after they were apprehended by a joint team led by the Managing Director of OCHA Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere at different locations in Onitsha and environs.
The suspects were nabbed on accounts of cultism, illegal collection of tickets from unsuspecting vehicle operators, and other criminal activities.
Briefing newsmen In Awka, the Public Relation Officer of the agency, Mr. Anthony Agbaefune said that the state would not tolerate any sort of unlawful activity coming from those who are hell-bent on extorting residents of the state.
He said the exercise was to ensure that the state was free from criminal elements that had continued to disturb the peace of the state through frustrating the efforts of the Gov. Soludo- led administration for a livable and healthy Anambra.
Mr. Agbaefune revealed that the administration of Gov. Soludo through the leadership of OCHA Brigade, would continue to make the state uncomfortable for mischief makers and criminal-minded individuals and asked such people to leave the state or risk being caught by the long hand of the law.
One of the suspects, Mr Arinze Nweke, who confessed to the crime, pleaded for leniency as he was ready to turn a new leaf.
The suspects were apprehended at 33 Junction, Fegge, Ochanja Market, Upper Iweka, Bridge Head and Naija Street, all around Onitsha.
