Enugu Commissioner has given an impressive account of his onslaught against criminals in the state as published in OpenLife Nigeria
“Ladies and gentlemen of the Press, good day and welcome to yet another press briefing and parade of criminal suspects, wherein I make public recent operational breakthroughs recorded in the Command.
Recall I informed you, the last time we met, that we have put in place policing strategies (including utilizing the Community Policing, collaborative and other policing strategies), required to effectively police the State, towards maintaining public security. It will interest you to know that these strategies have resulted in the operational breakthroughs I will be presenting to you today.
To this end, we have successfully arrested 37 male and two female suspects for their involvement in the offences of conspiracy, armed robbery, child stealing and trafficking, unlawful possession of firearms and cultism. We equally recovered several items, including firearms and ammunition, motor vehicles, tricycles, motorcycle, TV sets, mobile phones, a laptop and other incriminating items.
These breakthroughs are due to sustained synergy with sister security agencies, the Neighbourhood Watch Group, security stakeholders and law-abiding citizens of the State.
At this point, I crave your indulgence to proceed with the breakdown and description of the achievements.
BREAKDOWN AND DESCRIPTION OF
THE BREAKTHROUGHS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1) A Case of Suspected Armed Robbery was Recorded
The Suspect Involved in this case is:
a. Solomon Gebechukwu Ogidi (m) aged 27, of Umuopu Village, Enugu-Ezike in Igbo-Eze North LGA of the State
Brief Description of the Case:
The suspect was rescued from a mob and arrested on 15/03/2021 at about 1528hrs, by Operatives attached to Udenu Police Division. His arrest was due to a distress call received at the Division that an angry mob was mobbing an armed robbery suspect, after he was caught in a Pharmaceutical/POS shop along Enugu-Ezike Road, Obollo-Afor in Udenu L.G.A. Preliminary investigation shows that the suspect fired and exhausted his ammunition, wounding two persons on their right hand elbow and right palm, respectively.
He was subsequently captured and mobbed, before the Police rescued and arrested him.
Items recovered from him include:
One Italian-made pistol with breech number: 3361, four rounds of expended .22mm calibre of ammunition, fetish items suspected to be charms.
2) A Case of Conspiracy, Cultism and Unlawful Possession of Firearms was Recorded
The Suspects Involved in this Case Include:
a. Eneh Chizoba (m) aged 40, of Ugwuaji, Enugu
b. Ugwu Nnanna (m) aged 38, of Ugwuaji, Enugu
c. Eneh Chibuike (m) aged 45, of Ugwuaji, Enugu
d. Egbo Chimezie (m) aged 31, of Ugwuaji, Enugu
e. Ani Sunday (m) aged 25, of No. 15 Old Artisan Quarters, Ogui, Enugu
f. Chinonso Nnaji (m) aged 24, of Obuofia Akagbe, Enugu
g. Ani Friday (m) aged 26, of New Garriki, Enugu
h. Uwa Chinaza (m) aged 20, of Emene, Enugu
i. Isreal Opoke (m) aged 22, of New Garriki, Enugu
j. Kelvin Ukadike (m) aged 30, of No. 6, Asubo Street, Independence Layout, Enugu
k. Isaac Chidera Ekene (m) aged 28, of Nwaforani Street, Garriki Awkunanaw, Enugu
l. Ani Obinna (m) aged 28, of No. 6 Ezila Street Trans-Ekulu, Enugu
m. Ndubuisi Onyedikachi (m) aged 22, of Ugba Village Emene, Enugu
n. Edeh Chigbogu Emeka (m), aged 22, of Oye-Emene, Enugu
o. Chinecherem Chibuzo (m), aged 22, of No. 22 Rehab Road, Emene, Enugu, and
p. Arum Chukwuebuka (m) aged 21, of Police Post, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu.
Brief Description of the Case:
The above-mentioned suspects were arrested between 12th to 14th March, 2021, through a combined effort of Operatives attached to Anti-Cultism Squad, Crack Squad, Anti-Kidnapping Squad and Police Divisions in the Command. Their arrest was sequel to credible information received about bloody clashes between two rival cult groups namely: the Black Axe and Vikings Confraternity, which led to the gruesome murder of the alleged leader/executioner of Vikings Confraternity on the night of 12/03/2021, at Railway Quarters, Njamanze Ogui, Enugu. The suspects, who all confessed to being members of the above mentioned rival cult groups, were arrested in different black-spots in New Garriki, Holy-Ghost, Obiagu, Ugwuaji and old Artisan Ogui areas of the metropolis. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigation is completed.
Items recovered from them include:
a. One (1) long-ranged smoke-gunner (inscribed Emene Division).
b. One (1) round of live canister
c. One (1) Berretta pistol magazine
d. One (1) Bajaj Tricycle with registration number: ENU 060 VG (abandoned by one of the cultists on the run).
3) A Case of House-breaking and stealing was Recorded
The Suspects Involved in this Case include:
a. Yusuf Gayus (m) aged 26, of Mayo-Balwa L.G.A. in Adamawa State
b. Chimaobi Ede (m) aged 27, of Amoji Village in Nenwe, Aninri L.G.A.
c. Uchechukwu Okorie (m) aged 28, of Amoji Village in Nenwe, Aninri L.G.A.
Brief Description of the Case:
Acting on intelligence, Operatives attached to Nenwe Police Division arrested Yusuf Gayus on 12/03/2021 in Mayo-Balwa L.G.A of Adamawa State. His arrest was due to a report received that he burgled the house of his employer at Oduma Nenwe, where he works as a security man, and made away with electronics and other household items. Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime. His confessional statement led to the arrest of Chimaobi Ede and Uchechukwu Okorie, who are criminal receivers of the stolen items.
Items Recovered from them Include:
i. One (1) 32 inches Flat-screen Samsung TV
ii. Two (2) 32 inches Flat-screen Hisense TV
iii. One (1) LG DVD Player with remote
iv. One (1) Sweet-Home Water Heater appliance
4) A Case of Conspiracy, Armed Robbery and Fraud was Recorded
The Suspect involved in this Case is:
a. Okoh Chidera (m) aged 21, of Amuri Village in Agbani, Nkanu West L.G.A
Brief Description of the Case:
The suspect was arrested on 11/03/2021 at about 1400hrs by Operatives attached to Ogui Police Division at First Hotel along WTC Road, Ogui, Enugu. His arrest was due to a report of conspiracy, armed robbery and fraud made at the Division against the suspect and others at large. Discreet investigation is ongoing to apprehend and prosecute other members of the criminal gang on the run.
Items recovered include:
a. One (1) locally-made revolver Pistol
b. One (1) expended 9mm ammunition
c. One HP Laptop
d. Eleven (11) different brands of mobile phones suspected dispossessed of their owners
e. Three (3) different banks’ ATM Cards
f. One (1) flash drive
g. One (1) International Passport
h. One (1) National Identity Card
i. One wrist watch
5) A Case of Armed Robbery was Recorded
The Suspect Involved in this Case is:
a. Maxwell John (m) aged 23, of Amansi, Awka North L.G.A. of Anambra State
Brief Description of the Case:
The suspect was arrested on 11/03/2021 by Operatives attached to Oji-River Police Division in synergy with law-abiding citizens, after an intense chase. While others escaped. His arrest was sequel to a report received by the Division, alleged that on the same date at about 1615hrs, the suspect and his armed robbery gang members dispossessed a victim of his TVC tricycle with registration number: HAL 061 VD, cash sum of five hundred and twenty thousand naira (N520,000) and a Tecno Phone. The TVC tricycle and phone were recovered from him. Meanwhile, discreet investigation is ongoing to arrest and bring the other fleeing members of the criminal gang to book.
6) A Case of Phone Stealing and Fraud was Recorded
The Suspects Involved in this Case Include:
a. Kosarachi Okoye (m) aged 21, of New Garki Market, Awkunanaw, Enugu
b. Obinna Ndu (m) aged 21, of New Garki Market, Awkunanaw, Enugu
c. Francis Kelvin (m) aged 22, of New Garki Market, Awkunanaw, Enugu
d. Samaila Adamu (m) aged 23, of New Garki Market, Awkunanaw, Enugu
e. Philip Ugonna Ani (m) aged 29, of New Garki Market, Awkunanaw, Enugu
Brief Description of the Case:
On 11/03/2021 at about 2130hrs, Kosarachi, Obinna, Francis and Samaila were arrested by Operatives attached to Awkunanaw Police Division, following a raid conducted in their criminal hideout in New Garriki Cattle Market. Their arrest led to the recovery of different mobile phones suspected to have been stolen, SIM Cards of different networks and different banks’ ATM Cards. Upon interrogation, Kosarachi confessed to have severally broken into and stole phones from students’ hostel rooms at Agbani, Enugu, which were sold to Samaila Adamu and Philip Ugonna Ani. His confessional statement led to the arrest of Francis Kelvin, who is specialized in using SIM Cards obtained from the stolen phones to fraudulently removed funds in the bank accounts of their victims. Twenty-five (25) SIM Cards of different telecom networks were recovered from him. The suspects will be charged to court once investigation is concluded.
Summary of Items Recovered from them Include:
i. Three (3) different brands of mobile phones
ii. Two (2) ATM cards of First and Fidelity Banks
iii. Thirty-six (36) SIM Cards of different telecom networks
iv. Two (2) Power Banks
v. Some quantity of Weeds suspected to be Indian Hemp
vi. Substance suspected to be cocaine.
7) A Case of Conspiracy and Child Stealing was Recorded
The Suspects Involved in this Case Include:
a. Peace Ndukwe (f) aged 32, of Isuochi in Umunneochi L.G.A. of Abia State
b. Ebere Eze (f) aged 48, of 9th Mile, Enugu
Brief Description of the Case:
The suspects were arrested on 10/03/2021 and 11/03/2021 respectively, through a combined effort of Operatives attached to Aninri Police Division and Anti-Human Trafficking/Gender Unit of the State CID. Their arrest was due to a report made at the Division by one Edith Onyia (f), that on 08/03/2021 at about 1900hrs, she went out to fetch bathing water and came back to realize that her 3 years old son, Chinagorom Onyia, was missing. That on enquiry of his whereabouts, her older son told her that Peace Ndukwe came to where they were playing and took his brother away, under the guise of going to buy biscuits for him. The suspect confessed to the crime and her confessional statement led to arrest of the second suspect, Ebere Eze, who received the child and was shopping for a prospective buyer. The child was rescued and has been re-united with his parents. Meanwhile, the suspects will be charged to court once investigation is completed.
8) A Case of Unlawful Possession of Firearm was Recorded
The Suspect Involved in this Case is:
a. Anyaemene Nnamdi (m) aged 26, of Adu-Umuezogu village in Ifite-Nibo, Awka South L.G.A. of Anambra State
Brief Description of the Case:
The suspect was arrested on 09/03/2021 at about 1200hrs, through the collaborative effort of Operatives of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), while on duty along Enugu/Onitsha Expressway. The Operatives recovered from him, one (1) gold-painted Berretta pistol and three (3) different mobile phones suspected to have been stolen. Discreet investigation is ongoing to apprehend and prosecute other fleeing members of his criminal gang.
9) A Case of Armed Robbery and Car-snatching was Recorded
The suspect involved in this case is:
a. Chinaza Emma Nworie (m) aged 31, of No. 4 Oji Mechanic Village, Owerri, Imo State.
Brief Description of the Case:
The suspect was arrested on 04/03/2021 through a collaborative effort of Operatives attached to Central Police Station and Enugu Sector Command of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). He was arrested at the FRSC Office, while trying to upload the registration details for a custom black-coloured Lexus ES 350 car with registration number: ENU 937 JZ, which was discovered to have already been registered with registration number: ABJ 961 DC with its owner residing in Aba, Abia State. When contacted, the said owner confirmed that the car was snatched from him at gunpoint on 28/01/2021 at umuocho Village in Obingwa LGA of Abia State. Further investigation led to the recovery of a black-coloured Rav-4 Toyota Jeep with registration number: ENU 229 AM from the suspect, which he could not account for. Discreet investigation is ongoing to arrest and prosecute other members of his criminal syndicate.
10) A Case of Unlawful Possession of Firearm and Cultism was Recorded
The Suspect Involved in this case is:
a. Nnadi Uchenna (m) aged 19, of Double-Pool, Ngwo in Udi L.G.A. of the State
Brief Description of the Case:
The suspect was arrested on 03/03/2021 at about 2000hrs following a combined operation carried out by Operatives attached to 9th Mile Police Division and Anti-cult Squad. Preliminary investigation shows that the suspect confessed to being a member of Black Axe Confraternity responsible for creating panic in 9th Mile and its environs, while one (1) locally-made cut-to-size gun with one (1) live cartridge was recovered from him. The suspect will be charged to court upon completion of investigation.
11) A Case of kidnapping/Murder was Recorded
The Suspect is:
a. Nasiru Adah (m) aged 25, of Ugwuoba, Oji-River
Brief Description of the Case:
The suspect was arrested on 07/03/2021 at about 0530hrs, by Police Operatives attached to Oji-River Police Division, following intelligence gathered. His arrest was as a result of a report received on 23/02/2021 at about 1542hrs, alleging that a 12-year old boy was kidnapped and a ransom of four hundred thousand naira (N400,000) paid for his release, before the report was made to the Police. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect killed the victim and dumped him in a soak-away found in a compound at Ugwuoba, Oji-river, where he works as a security man. The suspect confessed to the crime, while discreet investigation is ongoing to arrest and bring other fleeing members of the gang to book.
12) A Case of Armed Robbery/Tricycle Snatching was Recorded
Suspect Involved in this Case is:
a. Chukwu Frankline (a.k.a Akpaka) “m”, aged 20, of Onuogba Nike, Enugu State.
Brief Description of the Case:
The suspect was arrested on 27/02/2021 at about 0200hrs, by Operatives attached to Anti-Cultism in synergy Neighbourhood Watch Group of Emene. His arrest was as a result of a distress call received that him and his armed gang members attacked a tricycle rider and snatched his tricycle at gunpoint in Segeen Junction, Emene. On receipt of the distress call, the Operatives swung into action with the Neighbourhod Watch Group personnel and arrested the suspect, while others escaped after a hot chase.
Items Recovered from them Include:
ii. One (1) locally made Double Barrel Pistol
iii. One (1) expended cartridge
iv. Victim’s Bajaj Tricycle with registration number: UWN 183 VF
v. One (1) Mobile Phone
vi. A Pair of slippers
13) A Case of Conspiracy and Stealing was Recorded
The Suspects in this Case Include:
a. Anosike Celestine (m) aged 42, of No. 18 Chijiokeagu Street, Emene, Enugu
b. Ndubuisi Onyebuchi (m) aged 30, of No. 10 John Bamidele Close, Abaranje, Ikotun, Lagos
Brief Description of the Case:
The suspects, who are both Driver and Conductor of Anfu Global & Gas Company, were arrested on 19/02/2021 at about 1800hrs, by Operatives attached to Igbo-Etiti Police Division. Their arrest is sequel to a report that they conspired and diverted the Company’s Mark truck, in which they were transporting about 45,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (otherwise known as AGO or Diesel) on the way from Ogara, Delta State to Eidah, Kogi State; and sold a large chunk of the said AGO. The truck was recovered along Orokam/Otukpa road in Orokam, where they abandoned it. The suspects have been charged to court and remanded in Nigerian Correctional Service Custody.
14) A Case of Conspiracy and Armed Robbery was Recorded
The Suspect in this Case is:
a. Obiora Emmanuel (m) aged 18, of Umana-Ndiuno in Ezeagu L.G.A.
The suspect was arrested through a combined effort of Operatives attached to Awgu and Umumba Police Divisons. His arrest is sequel to a report made by an armed robbery victim at Umumba Division, alleging that the suspect and his armed gang members at large; attacked and robbed him of his unregistered Denstar Motorcycle at Mgbabu-Owa Bridge in Ezeagu L.G.A. The said motorcycle was recovered from the suspect, who confessed to the crime. Meanwhile, discreet investigation is ongoing to arrest the fleeing members of his criminal gang.
A Case of Cars Stealing
The Suspect is:
a. Ikechukwu Ottah (m) aged 34, of No. 30 Umuoji Street, Independence Layout, Enugu.
The suspect was arrested in Ebonyi State on 08/02/2021 by Operatives attached to Uwani Police Division, following intelligence gathered. His arrest was sequel to report made by a victim that his Toyota Camry Car with Registration No.: ENU 976 AH was stolen where parked at Edozie Street, Uwani Enugu in the early hours of 07/02/2021. The car was recovered from the suspect upon his arrest, while he confessed to the crime. His confessional statement led to the recovery of another Toyota Camry Car with Registration No.: JRV 13 XA in Katsina Ala, Benue State, which was also reported stolen on 29/01/2021 at about 0430hrs at Peter Okoye Street, Uwani, Enugu. Discreet investigation is ongoing to arrest and prosecute other fleeing members of the criminal syndicate.
A Case of Conspiracy and Armed Robbery
The suspect involved is
a. Chizoba Kelechukwu (m) aged 21, of New Garriki, Enugu State.
The suspect was arrested on 05/02/2021 at about 1900hrs, by operatives attached to Awgu Police Division. His arrest was due to the report received from a victim, who alleged that the suspect and others at large he was conveying in his tricycle, robbed him of the sum of seventeen thousand, eight hundred naira (N17,800) and his mobile phones at gunpoint. And that they threatened to kill him if he reports their criminal act to the Police. The suspect confessed to the crime. Meanwhile, discreet investigation is ongoing to arrest his cohorts and recover exhibits.
A Case of Armed Robbery and Snatching of Motor Vehicles was Recorded
The Suspects involved in this Case Include:
a. Chukwudi Anike (m) aged 39, of Ndi-Agu Amaechi, Awkunanaw, Enugu
b. Emeka Onovo (m) aged 21, of Amaechi Awkunanaw, Enugu State
c. Nnaji Chiemezie (m) aged 31, of Ifite Awka, Anambra State
d. Edwin Maduabuchi (m) aged 31, of 7-Up, Agbani Road, Enugu
e. Ude Moses (m) aged 28, of No. 8, Abuofor Street by 7-Star Junction, Onitsha, Anambra State.
The suspects were arrested on different dates and times within and outside the State by Operatives attached to Independence Layout Police Division, following reports of armed robbery and cars snatching made on 12/01/2021 at about 2230hrs and 26/01/2021 at about 2100hrs, respectively. Acting on intelligence, the Operatives arrested Chukwudi Anike in Awada-Onitsha, Anambra State. He confessed to being involved in the armed robbery and cars snatching operations, while his confessional statements led to the arrest of Emeka Onovo, a member of the gang. It also led to the arrest of Nnaji Chiemezie, Edwin Maduabuchi and Ude Moses, who are receivers of the snatched vehicles and other criminal items from the gang. Discreet investigation is ongoing to arrest and bring other members of the criminal syndicate to book.
Items recovered include:
i. One navy-blue coloured Lexus RX 330 Jeep with registration number: ENU 02 GL
ii. One (1) oxblood-coloured Honda Pilot Jeep with registration number: ABC 257 HC
iii. One (1) ash-coloured Toyota Corolla Car with registration number: ENU 269 PH
iv. One (1) white and blue-coloured Suzuki Mini Bus with Registration number: UKP 298 YP
v. One (1) oxblood-coloured Lexus RX 350 Jeep with registration number: ABC 874 EE
vi. One (1) white-coloured Toyota Avalon car with registration number: UWN 68 HN
vii. Five (5) mobile phones of different makes.
Recovery of Firearms
On 14/03/2021 at about 2025hrs, Operatives attached to 9th Mile Police Division in synergy with Civilian Anti-cult Group of the area, recovered one (1) locally-made pistol, following the bursting of a suspected cult group meeting spot, along Nsukka/Expressway by Modern Market, 9th Mile. The suspects escaped upon sighting the Operatives, leaving behind the firearm.
Recovery of Firearm
Acting credible information, Operatives attached to Central Police Station, on 10/03/2021 at about 1730hrs, recovered a bag containing one (1) locally-made double-barrel pistol with two (2) live cartridges, which was said to have been dropped in Enugu Sports Club by unknown person or persons. Meanwhile, discreet investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend the persons who dropped the firearm.
Recovery of a Snatched Vehicle
On 29/02/2021 at about 0130hrs, Operatives attached to Ozalla and Awkunanaw Police Divisions, through a combined operation, recovered a black-coloured Lexus 300 RX jeep with Registration Number: KRD 539 FP. The recovery was due to a report made by a victim on 28/02/2021 at about 2230hrs that the said vehicle was snatched at gunpoint in Topland area of Awkunanaw, Enugu. Discreet investigation is ongoing to arrest and prosecute the fleeing suspects.
Recovery of Snatched Tricycle, Firearm and Ammunition:
Acting on intelligence, Operatives attached to New Haven Police Division on 24/02/2021 at about 1630hrs, recovered a Bajaj Tricycle and one (1) locally-made single-barrel gun with one live cartridge, concealed in a traveling bag found in the tricycle. The recovery is sequel to a report made at the Division on 23/02/2021 at about 1930hrs by the tricycle owner, who alleged that two (2) suspected armed criminal passengers snatched the said Keke from him at gunpoint, in front of Utopia Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu. Discreet investigation is ongoing to arrest and bring the fleeing suspects to book.
Recovery of Firearm and Other Incriminating Items
On February 12 at about 10.30pm, Operatives attached to Ozalla Police Division recovered one cut-to-size locally-made gun, one rusty empty magazine and a military camouflage jacket in a criminal hideout along Enugu/Port-Harcourt Expressway. The recovery was due a raid operation carried out at the said hideout, following credible information received at the Division. The criminal elements abandoned the incriminating items and escaped on sighting the Operatives. However, discreet investigation is ongoing to apprehend and bring the suspected criminals to book.
Enugu Commissioner
Dear Friends, permit to use this medium to thank everyone whose contribution made these breakthroughs possible. Worthy of mention is the collaborative support received from Enugu State Commands of NDLEA and FRSC. Their roles in the arrest of some of the suspects show that, with maximum collaboration among security agencies in the State, more can be achieved towards the maintenance of public security in the State.
I also want to thank the Neighbourhood Watch Group for their continued synergy that has helped us achieved some of these successes. The law-abiding citizens of the State are not also left out. I must also commend the gallantry efforts of the Command’s personnel involved in these breakthroughs and charge them to remain firm, resolute and resilient in the discharge of their duties.
Finally, I want to urge the good people of the State to continue supporting the Police by reporting acts of crime and criminality to the nearest Police Station or by calling the Command’s emergency hotlines on: 08032003702, 08075390883, 08086671202 or 08098880172,” says the Enugu Commissioner of Police.
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