The Imo State Police Command apprehended an alleged leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) at his concealed location within the state.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Okoye Henry, revealed the arrest made last Saturday, December 16, which involved the apprehension of a suspect and three others.
Henry identified the arrested individual as Ikechukwu Uba from Emoha Mgbidi in Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State. He noted that the operation, conducted by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad, was led by Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, a Chief Superintendent of Police.
“On interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) terrorist group, commanding the Mgbidi axis and stated further that he masterminded the attacks on Omuma Police Station and soldiers at Mgbidi and Awo-Mmama, narrating further that he receives funding from the Finland-based Simon Ekpa to carry out terrorist attacks in the state,” the statement read.
“The suspects provided useful information to the determined operatives that led to the arrest of one of their alleged sponsors, HRH EZE Anozie Augustine Agbarambo ‘m’, 51 yrs, the Traditional Ruler of Isi Mgbidi, Emoha Mgbidi autonomous community.
“Two locally made revolver long guns, one double barrel long gun, and 33 rounds of live Cartridges were recovered from his house during an intense search. Investigation is in progress and the suspects will be arraigned in court upon completion of a diligent investigation.”
Police operatives have apprehended a suspected kidnapper, Sylvester Humble, and seized a locally made pistol from his possession.
Hailing from the Umuoma Nekede area of the state, the suspect admitted to being a member of a notorious kidnapping syndicate that has been terrorizing residents in Nekekde and Ihiagwa, Imo State. He provided valuable information that will aid the police in apprehending his accomplices who are still at large.
Upon the conclusion of a thorough investigation, the suspect will face arraignment, as stated by the police spokesperson.
The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, commended the diligent operatives for their ongoing efforts in making arrests and urged them to maintain the momentum in combating all forms of crime in the state. He assured residents of Imo that the Command has implemented enhanced proactive security strategies to ensure comprehensive policing throughout the state during and after the yuletide season.