By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a five-member criminal gang, including a female suspect accused of luring commercial motorcyclists to isolated locations for robbery operations in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest was confirmed in a press statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who said the suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, during an early morning operation, which also led to the recovery of a firearm, stolen motorcycles and other incriminating items.
According to the statement, the five arrested suspects are identified as Sunday Chukwudebele, aged 22; Adaobi Udeze, aged 26; Chimezie Ifebi, aged 35; Kelvin Chukwuejike, aged 28; and Uzi Chukwuejike Williams Umeh, aged 26.
The police spokesman explained that the gang had been operating within Ihiala and surrounding areas, targeting commercial motorcyclists popularly known as Ọkada riders.
SP Ikenga revealed that preliminary investigation showed that the female suspect, Adaobi, played a key role in the gang’s activities by posing as a passenger and deceiving unsuspecting motorcycle operators to lonely routes and hideouts, where other members of the gang would emerge to attack the victims and dispossess them of their motorcycles and personal belongings. He added that the method had enabled the gang to carry out several robbery operations before their arrest.
The police further disclosed that items recovered from the suspects include one locally made Beretta pistol, three Qlink motorcycles of the 150 Tiger model suspected to have been stolen, as well as a red-coloured face mask believed to have been used during their operations. The Command noted that the recovery of the exhibits would assist ongoing investigations aimed at uncovering other members of the syndicate and possible victims.
Reacting to the development, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the operatives of the Rapid Response Squad for their swift response and professionalism, stressing that the Command remains determined to rid the state of criminal elements threatening the safety of residents.
The Police Commissioner, according to the statement, assured members of the public that the Command would continue to intensify operations across the state, particularly in areas where criminal gangs target commercial transport operators and other vulnerable persons. He also urged commercial motorcyclists and residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or security agency.
The Police Public Relations Officer added that the suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court after the completion of investigations, even as the Command also reiterated its commitment to sustaining ongoing security operations aimed at ensuring the protection of lives and property across Anambra State.
