TheCable

The Imo state police command has paraded some suspects who were said to be terrorising the south-east region.

Speaking to journalists in Owerri, the state capital, Hussaini Rabiu, commissioner of police, said the suspects were arrested after they kidnapped one 42-year-old Okechukwu Mbata and 41-year-old Kelechi Anoruo.

The police commissioner said operatives of the command swung into action on August 10 and rescued the victims unhurt.

He said one of the arrested suspects, Nwanosike Chukwuka, confessed to the crime and led the police operatives to their hideout in Ebonyi state.

“The arrested suspects were listed as; Festus Ekeoha ‘male’ aged 38yrs of Ubommiri in Mbaitoli LGA, Imo State, Emeka Onuh ‘male’ aged 38yrs of Inyi, Oji River, Enugu State, Young Ndukwu ‘male’ aged 45yrs of Awo Mbieri in Mbaitoli LGA, Imo State, Favour Chukwu ‘male’ aged 39yrs and Alo Chidi ‘male’ both of Ndembia Izza South LGA, Ebonyi State,” the commissioner said.

“Other suspect includes; Obinna Okoroeze ‘male’ aged 55yrs of Abueke Ihitte Uboma LGA, Imo State, Uchechukwu Aniebo ‘male’ aged 43yrs of Udi, Enugu State, Ekpeta Joseph ‘male’ aged 32yrs of Aninri LGA, Enugu State.

“On 9th September, 2021 at about 1720hrs, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit stormed their hideout at Idembia Izza South LGA of Ebonyi State. The hoodlums on sighting the operatives engaged them in a gun duel but were overwhelmed by the operatives.”

Rabiu said arms and ammunition recovered from the suspects include one assault rifle loaded with twenty-two rounds of live ammunition, two pump action guns loaded with thirty-three rounds of live cartridges, one cut-to-size double barrel gun, one English berretta pistol with eight rounds of live ammunition and two master keys.

The commissioner said the police also recovered different cars from the suspects.