ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Ebonyi State Police Command has presented several individuals allegedly involved in organ harvesting, ritual killings, and other serious crimes.
In a press briefing at the state police headquarters in Abakaliki, Police Public Relations Officer Joshua Ukandu detailed the Command’s recent achievements in tackling criminal activities across Ebonyi.
According to Ukandu, under the guidance of Commissioner of Police Anthonia Uche-Anya, the Command has enhanced its crime-fighting efforts through strong community engagement and strategic measures to bolster security for the state’s residents.
“Our operatives are working tirelessly to make Ebonyi safe, especially during this festive period,” Ukandu stated.
This past month, 177 suspects were arrested, including 162 men and 15 women, with 92 already charged in court.
According to the statement, Mrs. Blessing Chikezie Onyekachi on October 11, 2024, reported her husband, Mr. Chikezie Idenyi, missing after he left for a supposed business trip to Lagos on September 14.
Following a thorough investigation by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, suspects Innocent Elebe and Eze Elechi were arrested, leading to further arrests of Obinna Nwanguru and Oda Peter.
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Ukandu added that the suspects confessed to the murder of Idenyi, as well as Chibu Odii and Eze Fabian, with the intent to use their blood and organs to treat an individual with Down syndrome.
The Command however, has recovered the bodies of Idenyi and Odii, while efforts continue to locate the remains of the third victim.
Also, on October 17, Miss Nwigbo was kidnapped and held captive in a forest near Okwagba Primary School by suspects Ominiyi Friday, Ubochi Ifeanyi, and others still at large.
The kidnappers allegedly raped and detained her for four days before releasing her for a N400,000 ransom. Following a sustained police investigation, two suspects were apprehended on October 22, with efforts ongoing to capture the remaining culprits.
Police operatives in the process, arrested Chukwuebuka Okemiri for allegedly conspiring with others to murder HRH Ezeogo Ibo Ubani, the traditional ruler of Ihie Autonomous Community, on May 3, 2024. Investigations are active to apprehend additional suspects involved in the crime.
On October 30 also, operatives from the Crack Unit arrested Utobo Onyekachi, also known as “Azaman,” a known member of a robbery syndicate. Onyekachi led police to the gang’s hideout in Igbeagu Izzi, where an abandoned Barretta pistol was recovered. Investigations revealed it had been stolen from a police officer.
Acting on community policing strategies, the Command responded to security concerns in Umuezeali Oriuzor Community, arresting Friday James Nworie, who had been terrorizing the area.
Nworie confessed to having a locally-made pistol and five live cartridges, which were subsequently seized.
The Command reiterated its call for residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to support the police in ensuring a safer Ebonyi.