Police arrest suspects in kidnapping, murder and other crimes in all states

Police arrest suspects in kidnapping, murder and other crimes in all states

By Raphael Ekpang

Abuja (Core Reporters) – Police officers in several states have arrested numerous suspects in connection with kidnapping, armed robbery, murder, rape, child theft, firearms offenses and other crimes, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered in some operations.

In Enugu State, police officers working with rangers, neighborhood watch personnel and local youths arrested Ifebuche Onu, 23, suspected of being among four gunmen believed to be members of IPOB/ESN who invaded the community of Amofia Agu, Affa, and kidnapped a youth leader.

Police said the victim was rescued unharmed, while officers recovered an AK-47 rifle with two loaded magazines containing 53 rounds of live ammunition and a Beretta rifle with a magazine containing 30 rounds.

Other artifacts recovered included a fortified talisman, a push-button telephone and a set of keys.

In another operation in Enugu, officers arrested Thomas Ugwu, 19, and Ozokolo Chinedu, 18, for the alleged kidnapping of an eight-year-old boy, Adipkuta Chiemerie.

According to police, the suspects were arrested at Povilla Hotel, Amebo, following intelligence that the victim was released after a ransom of ₦1 million was paid into a UBA account. The suspects were reportedly identified by the victim and confessed to the crime.

In Kebbi state, police arrested Bello Ali Toro, 20, after one of the five abducted brothers spotted him at the central mosque during Friday prayers and identified him as a suspect. The victim also recovered his stolen Tecno mobile phone from the suspect, leading to his arrest.

Police said continued pressure on the kidnappers led to the release of three victims, while two others escaped from captivity.

In Abia State, Anthony Chibuike, 37, has been arrested in connection with the alleged murder of octogenarian Onwuasoanya Ehirim on Igbere Street, Umuahia. A Beretta pistol and a live bullet were recovered from the suspect.

In Rivers State, the police have taken into custody Aaron Monday, 21, who was handed over by local vigilantes and OSPAC security personnel following an alleged residential robbery along Rumuologu.

One locally made custom cut pistol, one live cartridge, one spent cartridge, one Nokia phone and stolen valuables were recovered. The suspect allegedly confessed to belonging to a gang of robbers made up of four men.

In Akwa Ibom, police have arrested Bright Ekpeyong Okon, a private security officer, after tracing an allegedly stolen Ford Jeep from Akpasak Estate, Uyo, in Delta State. The recovered vehicle was returned to the police station.

In Katsina State, Hamisu Umar, 25, was arrested for allegedly vandalizing PHCN cables in Jiba village, Sandamu Local Government Area. Two other suspects reportedly fled, abandoning their motorcycle in Lemu village.

Bayelsa Police also arrested Nabo Innocent, 39, alias Yellow Papa, and Ayibatare Talbot, 36, for an alleged attempted armed robbery in Bassambiri. The prime suspect has reportedly been traced to his hideout in Ogbolomabiri.

In Delta State, Michelle Okolo, 23, was arrested over an alleged conspiracy to sell her newborn baby for ₦1.8 million through a middleman to a buyer in Onitsha, Anambra State. Police said efforts were underway to arrest other accomplices and recover the child.

In Oyo State, police have arrested Mathew Monday, a vigilante, for allegedly shooting a 23-year-old herdsman, Bello Abu, in the right leg while he was grazing cattle in Lagun, Ibadan. A Danish pistol was recovered from the suspect.

In Cross River State, police arrested Ndifreke Godwin, 37, a security guard employed at a block industry, for the alleged rape of an eight-year-old girl.

Similarly, the Ogun State Police arrested 22-year-old Daniel for the alleged defilement of a 15-year-old girl.

In Ebonyi State, Chukwudi Elechi Amadi, 22, has been arrested for the alleged fatal shooting of Chijioke Oko Aka, 38, during a wake in Ihie Amasiri, Afikpo.

Gombe state recorded two separate arrests. Police arrested Iliya Ibrahim, 50, for the alleged rape of his seven-year-old stepdaughter, Amina Dahiru, while Hadiza Mohammadu, 31, and her daughter, Hajara Mohammadu, 15, who were abducted on August 24, were released and reunited with their family.

Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu 8th, said the various cases were being investigated by the respective state criminal investigation departments, while efforts were underway to arrest the absconding suspects and other accomplices.