Anambra Police Nabs Alleged Nnobi Kidnap Suspects

The Anambra Police command has announced the arrest of three suspects involved in the abduction incident in Nnobi erroneously reported earlier to involved a Catholic priest.

The disclosure was made on Saturday by the state police commissioner, CP Echeng Echeng, while briefing newsmen at the command headquarters, Akwa. 

CP Echeng, who said the briefing was part of the Command's regular interaction with the media, explained that operatives of the command intercepted an unmarked brown Lexus jeep and a black Prado Jeep with registration number GWA 696 CM, Abuja on Thursday, April 27, while on a stop and search duties. 

He noted that rather than stop as instructed, the occupants opened fire on the police operatives, prompting a response after which three of the hoodlums, identified as members of the Eastern Security Network, ESN, and Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, were arrested with three AK47 riffles, two cell phones, two bullet proof vests, two walkie talkie, one Police uniform (camouflage), three AK47 Magazines, one hundred and twenty Live ammunition, one Police belt, one Hand glove, a pair of Police boots, two Police caps, one military T-shirt and one blue police uniform.

CP Echeng who pointed out that though other members of the gang escaped, the abducted victim was however, rescued. 

CP Echeng gave the names of the arrested suspects as Hyicent Ujwuika, 45, Sunday Samuel Akpan, 31 and Chinonso Offor, aka Wolf, 24. 

"On 27/4/2023 by 7:50 pm, the forward operating base *FOB* Aguata while on stop and search duty at Afor Nnobi road intercepted two vehicles, one unmarked brown Lexus jeep and a black Prado Jeep with Reg Nos. GWA 696 CM, Abuja, the occupants of the vehicle who refuse to stop when police flag them down, started shooting sporadically to escape police screening. The operatives engaged the armed men in a gun battle, rescued one of their victims and arrested three of the gang members suspected to be members of the ESN/OUTLAWED IPOB group."

CP Echeng who also disclosed that the command has arrested one Emeh Nnamdi Daniel, a 26 year-old Youth Corp member, alleged to have hacked into the account of one Mr Chibuike Martins Ekwueme and withdrew N47m which he transferred to his 14 different accounts before escaping to Benin Republic. He was however, nabbed in the country by Interpol. 

Prior to his arrest, Nnamdi, who served with the command, was declared wanted on February 20 for sundry Offences, including unlawful possession of firearm, money laundering, fraud, impersation and defamation of character. 

CP Echeng assured that his command will continue to evolve proactive strategies involving improved operational positioning and engagement with the community leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders for an inclusive community safety base.