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I am delighted to welcome you all to this press briefing and parade of criminal suspects and exhibits, which is an avenue for me to showcase some of the operational achievements of the Enugu State Police Command. It is the first since I took over and assumed duty as the Commissioner of Police of the Command on August 16, 2023.
2. There is no doubt that the task of effectively policing our society is daily becoming daunting. However, I have since my assumption of duty, ensured that the right policing strategies are devised to tackle existing and emerging security challenges in the State. These strategies are subsumed in my grassroots-driven, proactive, people-oriented and problem-solving policing thrust, which is in line with the policing Vision and Mission of the Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM.
3. In view of this, I have met and interacted with critical security stakeholders, including local government chairmen, traditional rulers, heads of other security agencies and many others, on the best ways to collectively tackle security challenges in the State. These engagements I must tell you have started paying off, as we are making remarkable progress in tackling violent crimes of kidnapping, armed robbery and the criminal activities of subversive criminals.
4. It is a known fact that it is humanly impossible to totally eliminate crimes in human society. However, I want to assure the good people of Enugu State and visitors that we remain committed to ensuring that maximum security and tranquility are maintained in the State.
5. I want to state without ambiguity that negative insinuations on the security situations in Enugu State are false and unfounded. It amounts to making mountain out of a molehill. I, therefore, make bold to say that the State remains peaceful and a safe haven for visitors and investors to come and meaningfully carry out their lawful businesses.
6. I, therefore, call on those who may be contemplating to become criminals to do away with such thoughts, while those that have made the commission of crimes their stock in trade, are warned to repent of their own volition, as we shall not hesitate to deal ruthlessly with unrepentant criminal elements operating under any guise in the State.
7. Consequently, I call on our parents, traditional and religious rulers, and leaders of thoughts in the State to re-orientate and warn their children and subjects to always be of good behaviour. This is because any action and activities inimical to the peace and order in the State by them; shall be met with appropriate policing actions in accordance with extant laws of the land.
8. Permit me to use this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mba, for the support and encouragement he has been giving to us. Recall that I recently received and flagged off the Distress Response Squad (DRS), which is one of the Governor’s key operational supports to the Police, to promptly respond to and tackle crimes in the State. This is in addition to several frantic efforts he has been making to ensure that general crime management in the State is seamlessly achieved.
9. I equally wish to specially thank the Inspector-General of Police for his support and guidance, which have made our operational activities and the overall policing of the State less cumbersome.
10. To my colleagues and heads of other security agencies, I want to sincerely appreciate you all for the continued collaborative support. In the same vein, I sincerely thank security stakeholders and law-abiding citizens of the State for all the support and assistance.
11. I, therefore, urge all and sundry to continue to be supportive to us, bearing in mind that security is everybody’s business. Rest assured that we shall never rest on our oars to fight all manner of crimes in the State to a standstill.
12. And to you my good friends and members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, who have been very supportive to the Command, I say thank you so much. I urge you to continue on the part of objectivity and accuracy in your reportage, not minding the upsurge in the unbridled citizens’ journalism that seems to be threatening the very core of the mainstream journalism you represent.
13. I equally enjoin you to avoid reporting fake and unverified news, or go about breaking news that may end up breaking our beloved Enugu State. Always remember that you are one of our major allies and key partners in progress, especially in the area of investigation.
14. Finally, I want to thank and appreciate Officers and Men of the Command for remaining resilient and committed to actualizing the statutory mandates of the Nigeria Police Force in the State. I urge them to remain firm and professional in the discharge of their duties, as I shall not condone acts of unprofessionalism, corruption and unethical behavior of any kind by them.
15. At this point, Gentlemen of the press, permit me to inform you that within the period of a little above one month since I assumed duty, we have been able to record so many operational breakthroughs in our unwavering commitment to flush out crimes and criminality in the State.
16. A summary of these breakthroughs in terms of suspects arrested for different offences, some of whom have been arraigned in court and remanded; kidnapping/abduction victims rescued, and exhibits recovered show the arrest of 92 suspects (including one (1) female, 12 kidnapped/abducted victims rescued, 4 AK-47 rifles, 66 firearms of different calibres, 333 live ammunition of different calibres, 25 vehicles and other incriminating exhibits recovered.
17. A brief breakdown and description of some the cases of arrests, rescues and recoveries are hereby highlighted as follows:
Case of Conspiracy, Kidnapping, Arrest of Suspect and Recovery of Vehicle
The suspect involved is Kelechi Okwara aged 27, of Ohafia, Abia State.
The suspect was arrested on 24/09/2023 at about 6.30pm at Nokpa/Ezimma Nike boundary point, by Police Operatives in Abakpa and Trans-Ekulu Police Divisions, with assistance from Neighbourhood Watch Group, following their swift response to credible information. Preliminary investigation shows that the suspect squats with his brother at large who works as a security man in a house in Trans-Ekulu Enugu.
The suspect confessed to having conspired with his said brother to kidnap his master’s mother in-law, his nanny and little baby to an unknown destination, on 23/09/2023 at about 8pm. That they demanded and obtained a ransom of three million naira (N3,000,000.00) from the said master and used the proceed to buy a red coloured Toyota Corolla car, which was recovered upon his arrest.
Also earlier recovered is a Toyota Camry car the suspects had carted away upon the kidnapping of the victims. Further discreet investigation is ongoing.
Case of Busting of IPOB/ESN Criminal Hideout, Neutralization of Three of the Hoodlums, and Recovery of Firearms, Cutlasses and other Exhibits
On 18/09/2023 at about 2.15am, a joint security agents, comprising Police Operatives of the Command’s SWAT, NPF Special Forces, and Troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army Enugu, acting on credible intelligence, busted the criminal hideout of suspected Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) subversive criminal elements in Ezioha Mgbowo community of Awgu Local Government Area, while they were perfecting plans to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order in the State.
The hoodlums on sighting the team opened fire on them, but they swiftly returned fire neutralizing three, while several others escaped with severe degrees of gunshot wounds in the ensuing gunfight. Further discreet investigative actions are ongoing.
Exhibits Recovered from them include:
Three (3) pump-action guns and
Ten (10) machetes.
Case of Foiled Kidnapping Attempt, Neutralization of Two Kidnappers, and Recovery of Ak-47 Rifle, Ammunition and Other Exhibits
Police Operatives of Enugu State Command, in the evening hours of 03/09/2023, foiled an attempt to kidnap some road users at Ogbeke-Nike, along Ugwogo-Nike/Opi/Nsukka road. The hoodlums had blocked the road and shot sporadically, before the Operatives, some of whom were on VIPs escort duty, gallantly responded. Two of the miscreants were neutralized on the spot, while many others escaped into the forest with fatal gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, one of the Operatives who sustained a gunshot wound in the ensuing gun duel was taken to the hospital and later confirmed dead by doctors in the morning hours of 04/09/2023. His remains have been deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Exhibits Recovered Include:
One (1) AK-47 rifle,
Two (2) magazines,
Eighty-two (82) rounds of 5.56 mm calibre of ammunition,
Sixteen (16) rounds of 7.62 mm calibre of live ammunition
One (1) cutlass,
Two (2) mobile phones and
Other incriminating exhibits.
Case of Busting of Armed Robbery Syndicate, Arrest of Suspect and Recovery of Firearm and other Exhibits
The suspect involved is
Oshimiri Uchenna aged 25,
The suspect was arrested by Police Operatives serving in Amechi-Idodo Police Division of the Command, on 20/09/2023 at about 4am. His arrest was sequel to the Operatives swift response to credible information and busting of the criminal hideout of the suspect and cohorts at large armed robbery gang at Mbulu-Owo in Nkanu East LGA. One (1) Foreign-made pistol was recovered from them, while further discreet investigation is ongoing.
Case of Unlawful Possession, Arrest of Suspect and Recovery of Firearm
The Suspect Involved is Ifeanyi Enechi aged 26, of Brodrick, Coal Camp, Enugu.
The suspect was arrested by Police Operatives serving in Central Police Station (CPS) of the Command, on 18/09/2023 at about 2.20pm, while on routine stop and search duty. Upon search conducted, one (1) cut-to-size single-barreled gun with one (1) live cartridge was recovered from him. Further discreet investigation is ongoing.
Case of Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
The Suspect is Chijioke Onu aged 25, of Ihuakpu, Obollo-Afor in Udenu LGA
The suspect was arrested on 08/09/2023 at about 3pm, by Police Operatives serving in Crack Squad of the Command in conjunction with Neighbourhood Watch. His arrest was as a result of credible information alleging that he was found in unlawful possession of ammunition. One (1) live cartridge was recovered from him, while further discreet investigation is ongoing.
Case of Attempted Kidnapping, Rescue of Victim, Neutralization of two Kidnappers, and Recovery of Firearm, Ammunition and other Exhibits
A combined team of Police Operatives drawn from the NPF Special Forces, Awkunanaw Police Division and Tactical Teams of the Enugu Command, on 20/08/2023 at about 8pm, rescued a male kidnap victim (names withheld) at Centenary, along Enugu/Port-Harcourt Expressway, after a gunfight with kidnappers. One of the criminals, simply identified as “Baron”, was neutralized on-the-spot in the ensuing shootout, while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
Further manhunt of the fleeing suspects led to the discovery and recovery in a forest at the location of the incident of the lifeless body of the second neutralized hoodlum, simply identified as Chukwunonso a.k.a. “Nolly”, in the morning hours of 21/08/2023. The victim’s black-coloured Lexus 350 Jeep was recovered alongside one (1) locally-made revolver gun loaded with four (4) cartridges and another locally fabricated pistol belonging to the criminal elements.
Case Armed Robbery, Arrest of Suspect and Recovery of Firearm and Ammunition
The suspect arrested is James Akubue aged 36, of 9. Ogbe Street, Maryland, Enugu.
The suspect was arrested on 25/08/2023 at about 2.30pm, by Police Operatives serving in Uwani Police Division of the Command, sequel to the receipt of alleging that the suspect and cohorts at large were at the verge of snatching their male victim’s car at gunpoint. One (1) locally-made Berretta pistol loaded with live ammunition was recovered from the suspects.
Case of Unlawful Possession of Firearm and Arrest of Suspect
The suspect arrested is Nkemdirim Igwilo aged 27.
Acting on information, the suspect was arrested on 19/08/2023 at about 0130hrs by Police Operatives serving in Oji-River Police Division. The raid carried out at Gariki Ugwuoba in the apartment of the suspect led to the recovery of one (1) locally-made single barrel short gun concealed in small bag. However, the suspect could give reasonable account of himself. Meanwhile, investigation is ongoing.
Case of Armed Robbery, Arrest of Suspect and Recovery of Firearm
Suspect arrested is Onwuka Emeka aged 25, of One-Day Road, Enugu.
The suspect was arrested on 06/09/2023 at about 8pm, by Police operatives serving in Ikirike Police Division, following their prompt response to a distress call on a case of armed robbery at Upper Meniru, Enugu. Preliminary investigation shows that the suspects and others at large had robbed their female victims of their Android phones and other belongings at gunpoint, before the Operatives rounded him up. One (1) Berretta pistol was recovered from him, while further discreet investigation is ongoing.
Case of Arrest of Suspect and Recovery of Ammunition
The suspect arrested is
Tochukwu Joseph aged 36, of Orozo, FCT, Abuja.
The suspect, an Executive Cruise Company commercial bus driver, was intercepted and arrested by Mobile Police Operatives of No. 3 PMF Enugu, while on routine stop and search duty along Ugwogo/Opi/Nsukka road, on 14/09/2023 at about 4am. Upon thorough search conducted by the Operatives, a parcel containing one hundred (100) live cartridges was recovered. The suspect, however, claimed that the exhibit was given to him as a waybill to deliver to a recipient in Abuja. Further discreet investigation is.
Case of Arrest of Suspect and Recovery of Firearm
The Suspect Arrested is
Nweke Emeka aged 23, of Onueke in Ezza South LGA of Ebonyi State.
The suspect was intercepted and arrested on 13/09/2023 at about 1pm, by eagle-eyed Mobile Police Operatives of No. 3 PMF Enugu, while on routine Stop and Search duty along Four-Corner/Udi road. His arrest led to the recovery of one (1) locally-made single-barreled pistol in his unlawful possession after the conduct of thorough search on the occupants of a commercial vehicle en-route Abakaliki, Ebonyi State from Ekulobia, Anambra State. Further discreet investigation is underway.
Case of Unlawful Possession, Arrest of Suspects and Recovery of Firearm
Suspects arrested are
Chidera Onovo (a.k.a. “Aro-Last-Kobo”) aged 18,
Okechukwu Amechi (a.k.a. “Aro-Nokia”) aged 39,
Egbo Chidera (a.k.a. “Aro-Virus”) aged 28,
Ossai Napoleon aged 27, all of Amurri community in Nkanu West LGA, and
Chibuike Monday aged 16, of Ohofia-Uduma in Aninri LGA.
The suspects were intercepted and arrested on 12/09/2023 at about 3.30pm, by Police Operatives serving in the Safer Highway Patrol Unit of the Command, while on routine Stop and Search duty along Enugu/Port-Harcourt Expressway. One (1) locally-made pistol was recovered in their unlawful possession, while further discreet investigation into the case is ongoing.
Case of Unlawful Possession, Arrest of Suspect and Recovery of Firearm and Ammunition
The suspect arrested is
Chibuike Ugwu aged 27, of Ndiagu Amechi, Enugu South LGA
The suspect was arrested on 01/09/2023 at about 1200hrs, by Police Operatives of Distress Rapid Response (DRS) of the Command, while on routine stop and search duty at ESBS Junction, Independence Layout, Enugu. One (1) Pump Action gun loaded with one (1) live cartridge was recovered from him. The case is undergoing discreet investigation.
Case of Conspiracy, Armed Robbery, Kidnapping and Cultism; Arrest of Suspects and Recovery of Firearms and Ammunition
The Suspects involved are: Ozioma Ezekegbo (a.k.a. “Fucking”), aged 26, of No. 158A, Ogui Urban, Enugu,
Ifeanyi Udeh, aged 29, of Attakwu Akegbeugwu, and
Eze Izuchukwu (a.k.a. “Breeze”), aged 24, of Zone 1 Ngeneve, Coal Camp, Enugu.
Police Operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Squad arrested the suspects at different locations and days in September 2023. The suspects and others at large have been on the Command’s watch-list for several cases of armed robbery, car-snatching and kidnapping within Enugu Metropolis.
Preliminary investigation shows that they confessed to being members of Vikings Confraternity and had on 30/06/2023 at about 7pm, together with their cohorts at large, abducted a male victim in his ML 350 Jeep at Trans-Ekulu Enugu. They took him to an obscured location in Ogui Enugu, and forcefully obtained the sum of one million naira (N1,000,000.00) from him. They thereafter attempted to make away with the mentioned vehicle, but abandoned it and escaped on sighting Police Operatives that have been on their trail. Further discreet investigation is ongoing.
Exhibits recovered from them include:
One (1) locally-made berretta pistol
Another locally-made revolver pistol, and
Two (2) live ammunition of .9mm caliber.
Case of Unlawful Possession of Firearm, Cultism, Arrest of Suspect and Recovery of Firearm
The suspect arrested is Igwe Tochukwu (a.k.a “Little”), aged 26, of No. 4, Onwa Street, Ekeotu Amaechi-Awkunanaw, Enugu.
The suspect was arrested through the combined efforts of Police Operatives serving in Awkunanaw Police Division and the Anti-Cultism Squad of the Command, on 29/08/2023 at about 4.45pm, after swiftly acted on credible information. The suspect confessed to being a member of a member of Black Axe Confraternity, while one (1) one locally made double-barreled pistol was recovered from him. Further discreet investigation is ongoing.
Case of Conspiracy, Murder, Cultism, Arrest of Suspects and Recovery of Firearm and Ammunition
The Suspects arrested include:
Chukwuemeka Okereke (a.k.a. “National”), aged 24, of Umuase-Ngwo, Udi LGA,
Chukwu Emmanuel (a.k.a. “Gentle”), aged 23, of No. 52, Enugu Road, 9th Mile Corner, Udi LGA,
Onyema Chiemerie (a.k.a. “Bolingo”), aged 20,
Okafor Kosi (a.k.a Jerry), aged 20, 21 Ukwuofor Street, 9th Mile, Udi LGA, and
Ugwuoke Kenneth, aged 21, of Ngwo-Uno, 9th Mile, Udi LGA.
The suspects were arrested in late August 2023, by combined Police Operatives serving in the Anti-Cultism Squad and 9th Mile Police Division of the Command, following the relentless efforts of the Operatives who have been on their trail. Preliminary investigation shows that the suspects are members and the killing squad of Black Confraternity. Them and other had, during a rival cult groups clash at 9th Mile on the 13/06/2023, shot and murdered a male rival cult group member simply identified as Omega, and also shot a Policeman (names withheld) in the chest. Further discreet investigation to apprehend others at large and recover other incriminating exhibits is ongoing.
Exhibits Recovered from them Include:
One locally-fabricated revolver pistol and
One (1) live and expended .9mm caliber of ammunition each.
Case of Conspiracy, Multiple Murder and Arrest of Suspects
The suspects involved include: Chiamaka Mbah (female) aged 32, Nwaru Kenneth aged 51, Ifeanyi Chukwueze aged 39, Mbah Monday aged 35, Odinawa Chukwu Ejim, aged 30, and Ikechukwu Nkem Ude aged 45, all of Nenwe community in Aninri LGA.
Acting on intelligence, Police Operatives serving in the Command’s SWAT arrested the suspects at different locations and dates in the month of September 2023, for their involvement in the brutal murder of three male victims in the wee hours of 09/09/2023, at Agbada Nenwe in Aninri Local Government Area. Further discreet investigation into the case is ongoing.
Case of Murder and Arrest of Suspect
The Suspect involved is Onyedika Ayogu aged 35, of Umuogbuagu, Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA.
Police Operatives serving in Igbo-Eze North Division arrested the suspect on 19/09/2023 at about 10pm, following the report alleging that he murdered his elder brother, one Azubuike Ayogu aged 45, using a machete. Preliminary investigation shows that they both had a misunderstanding thereby engaging in a fight, while the suspect used the machete to give the deceased cuts in the right heel and neck, which caused his death. The victim was taken to the hospital where he was confirmed dead and his corpse deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy. The case is undergoing conclusive investigation.
Case of Murder and Arrest of Suspect
The suspect involved is Umah Ibrahim aged 35, of Makurdi, Benue State.
The suspect was arrested on 16/09/2023 at about 5.30pm, by Police Operatives serving in the Central Police Station (CPS) of the Command. His arrest is as a result of the receipt of credible information that he stabbed one Ejike Ozor (male) to death, at Ezenwata Motor Park, Holy Ghost, Enugu.
Preliminary investigation shows that the suspect (an Ohimiri Mass Transit bus driver) and the deceased (a ticket seller) had an altercation, which prompted the suspect to stab the victim in the stomach with a dagger. He was immediately taken to the hospital, but was confirmed dead by doctors on duty and the corpse deposited in the mortuary for preservation and medical examination. The dagger was recovered, while the case is undergoing conclusive.
Case of Murder and Arrest of Suspect
The suspect arrested is Abugu Toochukwu, aged 29, of Isiugwu Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA.
The suspect was arrested on 10/09/2023 at about 11.04am, by Police Operatives serving in Igbo-Eze North Police Division. His arrest was due to the receipt of a report alleging that he murdered his mother, one Onu Grace, and buried her in a shallow grave behind their house. The case is undergoing conclusive.
Another Case of Murder and Arrest of Suspect
The suspect arrested is Samuel Kasiemobi Ogbonna aged 20, of Ekposhi Village, Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA.
The suspect was similarly arrested by Police Operatives serving in Igbo-Eze North Police Division of the Command, on 10/09/2023 at about 7.30pm. He was arrested following the receipt of a report alleging that he used a wood to hit and murder his sister, one Florence Ogbonna, after a heated argument.
The Operatives rushed to scene and moved the deceased to the hospital, where she was confirmed dead by doctors and her remains deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy. The said wood was recovered, while the case is undergoing conclusive investigation.
Case of Conspiracy, Demanding Money with Menaces and Arrest of Suspects
The suspects arrested are: Oluchi Idoko aged 25,
Ifebuche Omeh aged 25 and Wisdom Onyemaechi aged 21.
Acting on credible intelligence, Police Operatives serving in Hawk Squad of the Command arrested the suspects on 19th August, 3rd and 14th September 2023, at different locations. Preliminary investigation shows that the suspects are a syndicate of the criminal gang operating under the guise of being IPOB/ESN militants that menacingly demand money and threaten to kill their victims if they fail to comply. The suspect confessed to the crime and having menacingly obtained the total sum of one million, two thousand naira (N1,002,000.00) from their victims, while further discreet investigation is ongoing.
Case of Rape and Arrest of Suspect
The Suspect arrested is Gabriel Gibson (a.k.a. Odidi), aged 27.
The suspect was arrested on 21/08/2023 at about 10am, by Police Operatives serving in Oji-River Police Division. His arrest was due to the receipt of a report alleging that suspect who is a friend of her husband, on 18/08/2023 at about 5am, came to their house in the absence of her husband and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her. The case is undergoing further investigation.
Case of Conspiracy and Obtaining by False Pretences
The suspect involved is Chinecherem Madu aged 28, of Akubueze Street, Abakpa-Nike Enugu.
The suspect was arrested on 22/09/2023 by Police Operatives serving in Crack Squad of the Command, after they diligently acted on intelligence. The suspect and others at large are alleged to have defrauded a UK-based woman of the sum of ten thousand pounds (£10,000.00). He confessed to the crime, while further discreet investigation is ongoing.
Case of Arson and Arrest of Suspect
The suspect involved is Oluchi Okenwa aged 23, of Aguikpa Oruku in Nkanu East LGA
The suspect was arrested on 13/09/2023 at about 10am, by Police Operatives serving in Amechi-Idodo Police Division of the Command, following their prompt reaction to a tip-off. The suspect is alleged to be involved in the intra-communal clash in Oruku and a reported case of arson that occurred on 26/09/2022 in the community. Further discreet investigation is ongoing.
Case of Conspiracy, Stealing and Arrest of Suspects
The suspects arrested are: Anayo Josiah, aged 52, of Gadabiu Kobon, Jos, and Ejike Uchenna, aged 48, of No. 5, Busabuju, Jos, both of Plateau State.
The suspects were arrested on the 12/09/2023, by Police Mobile Operatives of No. 76 PMF Nsukka, with assistance from security personnel of a commercial bank in the University of Nigeria Nsukka. Their arrest is due to the security surveillance mounted on them, after an intelligence report identified them as the syndicate that secretly opened the door of a parked vehicle and stole cash sum of four hundred and forty-six thousand naira (N446,000.00) the owner left in the vehicle on 25/08/2023.
Preliminary investigation shows that the suspects trailed the victim from the bank after withdrawing the money, to where he parked the vehicle and went into his office in the University, before perpetrating the act. They confessed to the crime, while further discreet investigation is ongoing.
Case of Fraudulent Activity and Arrest of Suspects
The suspects arrested are: Livinus Nnabuife aged 20, and
Ujoke Anayo aged 21.
The suspects were arrested in the morning hours of 29/08/2023, by Police Operatives serving in Crack Squad of the Command. The arrest was as a result of the Operatives swift response to a distress call alleging that the duo defrauded a POS Operator in a filling station at New Market Enugu, along Enugu/Onitsha highway. Preliminary investigation shows that the suspects defrauded the victim of a total sum of two hundred ninety-seven thousand (N297,000.00). Further discreet investigation is ongoing.
Thank you and God bless!
