Ugo Nosiri, Owerri
The operatives of Nekede Police Divisional Headquarters in Imo State, have apprehended three notorious criminal suspects for unlawful possession of firearms, armed robbery, cultism, and motorcycle snatching.
According to a statement released by the State command spokesperson, Mr. Henry Okoye, one of the suspects, John Chukwudi, a native Ntu in Ngor Okpala LGA of Imo State was arrested with one locally made pistol and five rounds of live cartridges.
On interrogation, Mr. John confessed to being a member of the black axe confraternity cult group and stated that the gun was given to him by a member of his syndicate, Ugochukwu Ndubuisi who is at large.
In a different development, the command also apprehended 23-year-old Elijah Chigemezu, from Ezzamgbo in Ebonyi State in the very act of dispossessing a young man of his phone and personal belongings at gunpoint.
The statement says one locally made shotgun was recovered from Elijah, while he confessed to the crime.
The release also notes that 32 years old Chibieze Tasie was apprehended through investigation into a reported case of Motorcycle Snatching in Nekede.
On interrogation, the suspect confessed to having conspired with one Ndubisi, who is at large to snatch motorcycles from unsuspecting motorcyclists in Nekede.
He revealed that they stop motorcycle riders, lure them to a lonely location where his syndicate will dispossess the rider of his motorcycle.
One hundred and seventy thousand Naira was recovered from the suspect as part of the proceeds of his alleged criminal business.
Mr. Okoye disclosed that the suspects have all been transferred to the State Criminals Investigation Department (SCID), Owerri, for consolidation of the ongoing investigation.
He said that efforts are on top gear to apprehend and prosecute the manufacturers of the locally-made pistol, who will certainly have their day in court.
While commending the operatives for their professionalism in achieving the operational feats, the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, urged them to sustain the tempo in the onslaught against crime and criminality in the State.
The police commissioner admonished the good people of Imo State to continue to support the Police and other security agencies with timely and actionable information on any suspicious person or activity observed within their vicinity.