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The Imo State Police Command has busted an alleged syndicate of armed robbers involved in the theft of motorbikes and vehicles, and five persons were arrested in connection with the operation.
Police also recovered a large amount of stolen goods, including 450 motorbikes, a seized shuttle bus, cash and other incriminating items.
Spokesman of the command, Henry Okoye, disclosed the development on Sunday while briefing journalists at the state police headquarters in Owerri. He revealed that the suspects attempted to bribe the officers with ₦5 million to avoid arrest, but the offer was rejected.
According to Okoye, the breakthrough followed investigations carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led by Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa.
This case started with a complaint from a resident, Chimeze Christian from Urata, Owerri North Local Government Area, who reported that his driver, Paul Ohaka, did not return after leaving on a shuttle bus with registration number KPU 26 XA.
The missing driver was later found abandoned and unconscious in Irete along the Onitsha Road axis, while his vehicle had been taken by unknown assailants. He was rushed to Vadan Hospital in New Owerri, where he is currently receiving treatment.
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Police officers then tracked and recovered the stolen vehicle, which was allegedly repainted to hide its identity. Two suspects Olagoke Jelili and Godday Ezike were arrested at the location.
Further investigation revealed a much larger operation involving hundreds of allegedly stolen motorbikes.
Okoye said, “further investigations led to the arrest of Prince Okechukwu and Raymond Odinaka, who admitted to acting on the instructions of the absconding suspect, Osita Chigbo, alias “Barr. Oguta.” “In this operation, Paul Martins Anya, the suspected recipient of the stolen vehicle, was also arrested.”
He added, “A search at the location resulted in the discovery of thirteen (13) suspected stolen motorbikes, while follow-up operations resulted in additional discoveries, bringing the total to four hundred and fifty (450) suspected stolen motorbikes and other evidence.”
According to him, the suspects did not show proof of ownership of the confiscated motorbike.
“The suspects were unable to provide proof of legal ownership of the motorbike found during the investigation period.”
He further revealed the group’s efforts to evade law enforcement.
“Instead, the syndicate allegedly attempted to relocate the motorbikes to a nearby bush road in an attempt to avoid police detection. However, based on credible intelligence, officers quickly intercepted the movement, leading to a large-scale recovery of the motorbikes.”
Police said the operation underscored their commitment to intelligence-based policing and efforts to rid the country of criminal elements.
Commissioner of Police Audu Bosso ordered thorough investigation and prosecution of the suspects in accordance with the law.
The command also commended the community for their cooperation and urged continued support through timely and credible information sharing.
