The Imo State Police Command recently arrested three notorious criminals who have been causing fear and insecurity in the Nekede community. This arrest came after a series of incidents that involved armed robbery, cult-related activities, and the theft of motorcycles in the area.
On Thursday, August 15, 2024, the police spokesperson, ASP Okoye Henry, released a statement confirming the arrests. The suspects were found in possession of illegal firearms, adding to their list of crimes. These criminals were known for their involvement in unlawful acts, which had been making life difficult for the residents of Nekede.
The police have been actively pursuing these suspects, and their efforts finally paid off with the recovery of arms and ammunition. This success represents a significant step toward improving the safety and security of the community.
The arrest of these criminals has brought some relief to the people of Nekede, who have been living in fear due to the increasing criminal activities. With the recovery of the weapons and the suspects now in custody, the police remain committed to ensuring peace and safety in the region.
The statement read,
“In furtherance of the Imo State Police Command’s unalloyed determination to bring crime to its barest minimum in the State, operatives of Nekede Divisional Headquarters through intelligence-led operations and painstaking investigation apprehended three notorious criminal suspects for unlawful possession of firearms, armed robbery, cultism, and motorcycle snatching respectively,”
“One of the suspects, John Chukwudi, ‘m’, 27yrs, a native Ntu in Ngor Okpala LGA of Imo State was arrested on 14/08/2024 while on intelligence-led patrol with the local vigilantes, along Human Race Hospital Road, Nekede. Recovered from him include, one locally made pistol and five rounds of live cartridges.
“On interrogation, he 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 aka Dimzi Gate, who is at large.
“In a different development, Elijah Chigemezu, ‘m’, 23yrs of Ezzamgbo in Ebonyi State was apprehended on 11/08/2024, along Cluster Road, Naze, in the very act of dispossessing a young man his phone and personal belongings at gunpoint.
“His arrest was following a swift response to a distress call by police operatives in synergy with the military. One locally made shotgun was recovered from the suspect. On interrogation, he confessed to the crime
“While, Chibieze Tasie ‘m’ 32yrs was apprehended at No 1 Naze, following a thorough investigation into a reported case of motorcycle snatching in Nekede.
“On interrogation, the suspect confessed to having conspired with one Ndubuisi, ‘m’ at large to snatch motorcycles from unsuspecting motorcyclists in Nekede.
“Revealing that he stops a motorcycle rider, and lures him to a lonely location where his syndicate will dispose 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.
“The suspects have all been transferred to the State Criminals Investigation Department (SCID), Owerri, for consolidation of the ongoing investigation. Efforts are on top gear to apprehend and prosecute the manufacturers of the locally-made pistol. The suspects will certainly have their day in court.”
While commending the operatives for their professionalism in achieving the operational feats, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, urged them to sustain the tempo in the onslaught against crime and criminality in the state.
He 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.
As the investigation continues, the Imo State Police Command encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods to help the authorities maintain order.
